David Naylor, an SEO based in the UK (of which there are quite a few it seems), has a terrific, if brief blog on which he writes - Changing Face of Search.

This discussion is one that will go on for some time, but I suspect that Dave is right - Google can not afford to continue to make enemies in the webmaster community without repercussions to their bottom line.

Sorry for the short post - I have been traveling and will be on the east coast until next Saturday. During the SES conference I should have great stuff to report, however. BTW - I'm considering adding the ability for visitors to comment. Email me and let me know if you have a preference.