Good points. But the big question is if there is an agreement or "understanding" or something that Google only pays as long as Firefox doesn't become a threat,

Good points. But the big question is if there is an agreement or "understanding" or something that Google only pays as long as Firefox doesn't become a threat, i.e.: - don't fix the plugin ecosystem - don't fix theming - don't get too far ahead technically (i.e. a good reason to get rid of the servo team) - don't claim too much authority (i.e. get rid of MDN) Of course this is wild speculation and mostly in jest.