On the pure SEO front, sounds like you've answered your own question - it is affecting results right now. It would be interesting to see the test data that prov

On the pure SEO front, sounds like you've answered your own question - it is affecting results right now. It would be interesting to see the test data that proves this. As to what you should do, I'd suggest focus on value / utility and driving a narrative, which will lead.to links, which will outweigh any tld/gtld considerations. Worry about the fatness of the pig, not the glossof the lipstick.