Google's intent is to protect their advertising revenue stream. That's not good or bad, it's just business.
Definitely agree with you on the long term capability. There's just so much risk having your web interface owned by someone with a vested interest in what you see.
In the meantime expect 3rd party attempts at gaming this functionality.
seems to be if you listen to some of the corporate appologists around HN, where if it isnt explicitly against the law, people have nothing to complain about (and often not even then..)
There are definitely some for whom the pursuit of profit justifies the means, regardless of how immoral (or morally grey) it is, and any relevant laws are there to be dodged (bonus points for writing said actions off as "being disruptive").
Definitely agree with you on the long term capability. There's just so much risk having your web interface owned by someone with a vested interest in what you see.
In the meantime expect 3rd party attempts at gaming this functionality.