> Do you just not believe that those in control only care about the money and couldn't care less about search quality other than to the extent it's necessary to

> Do you just not believe that those in control only care about the money and couldn't care less about search quality other than to the extent it's necessary to make money? I definitely believe this, but I also think companies fall victim to the classic quote from Upton Sinclair: "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it." It would not surprise me if Googlers had a rationalization for why these "worse" search results are somehow a better user experience. Other examples: Apple's tight control over the iPhone software experience is controversial. Facebook employees often say they're benefiting the world, while outsiders think they're harming it. I don't think these are black-and-white - someone can credibly argue a case for each. But I think the Upton Sinclair quote tends to tip the balance for what insiders believe.