This is probably why Google truly pays to be the default on search. They end up a data collection middleman for people they provide no actual beneficial service

This is probably why Google truly pays to be the default on search. They end up a data collection middleman for people they provide no actual beneficial service[0] to: Folks who already know where they are going. [0] One could argue that Google will correct spelling and URL errors for you. But on the other hand, it's likely to inject ads above the real destination, which are very likely fraud, so I'd say it's a wash at best there.