alexsel - 12:02 am on Aug 11, 2011 (gmt 0)

Are you sure about that? Even for a non-competitive keyword/keyword phrase? So you're saying the top 3 positions, in addition to a high-enough bid, must have a QS above 6? - so even if it's the only ad that is displaying for a given search, the ad will appear on the right hand side? Which is technically position 4?

I'm sure you can find examples that disprove that assertion, but based on what I've seen, yes.

It does seem to depend on keyword volume but in general, if your QS is crappy, your ad rank is crappy and you'll be placed right hand side. You probably could combat, if you wanted to make a point, by exaggerated bidding but it wouldn't be in your best interest.