I'm really surprised that Google would make such a sudden change. I would've expected lower rates or allowing free use if AdSense ads are placed on the maps or

I'm really surprised that Google would make such a sudden change. I would've expected lower rates or allowing free use if AdSense ads are placed on the maps or on the same page. Such changes could've been easier to accept for many sites instead of making them look for alternatives. It appears that they decided that the branding effect of having the Google logo and copyright plastered on so many Web pages wasn't doing much.