walkman - 10:11 pm on Sep 21, 2011 (gmt 0)

Schmidt repeatedly stressed that Google's search algorithms are designed to return the best results for users

That has been shown and proven that it is a blatant lie. The placement of junk Local, Images, Youtube etc clearly shows that, especially since they're all Google owned. Not even a local link from say, Yelp? All the seven best ones are from G Local?

The one missing question:
Does Google take $$ in consideration (during testing) when deciding on releasing the new algo /refinement or not?

That's the $40 Billion question and I hope FTC gets to the bottom of this. I am almost sure I know the answer, but we need a definitive one. We need to put pressure so we learn this, it directly effects every single webmaster, just as G stuff placements, almost hidden (as ads) Adwords ads etc.