Because most people are so unbelievably boring, so statistically predictable and common, that taking off the edge of queries leads to higher click-through rates

Because most people are so unbelievably boring, so statistically predictable and common, that taking off the edge of queries leads to higher click-through rates overall. It's the same pages all the time, and most people don't even bother to scroll to page 2. Of course, people who know what they want, and are best served with diversity and breadth - like you ;) - lose out.