The problem is that search is a constant battle between Google and spammers/SEO. It's a never ending arms race that ensures there won't be a perfect solution.

The problem is that search is a constant battle between Google and spammers/SEO. It's a never ending arms race that ensures there won't be a perfect solution. And in this arms race Google's massive resources gives them a huge advantage. I think Google will probably maintain their dominance until they inevitably get caught doing something egregious enough that the government decides to step in and bust them up.