But then I thought you’d expect things like this when a search engine becomes a defacto monopoly, AND when in addition it owns multiple other internet-based products besides its’ search engine operations. Google obviously has a vested interest to up/down index or even de-index certain sites.

It’s like asking a BMW representative to give you an unbiased review of all car brands. Which wouldn’t be so bad unless most people are forced (in one way or another) to go to that same guy for that independent assessment. It then becomes like “democratic elections” in China, where the Communist Party advises you that your best bet is to vote for its favorite Communist Party candidate.

Maybe someday this malarkey will be looked upon and regulated by the powers that be.

thanks for the tips. still learning day by day…like a tortoise.