This may be perilously close to (mis)using a public service for private gain. I kind of hope it ends up in court, so that we can find out.
Google should just stop it, and behavior like this. 1) The Google+ control-freak obsession mania; 2) Self-serving "public service" attempts.
Mind you, Google has done and does a lot of good and generous public service. (Even when and as it is good PR and perhaps also promotes their interests -- on an optional, "opt-in" basis.)
But tying a public service to a self-serving promotion? Doesn't pass the smell test.
Google should just stop it, and behavior like this. 1) The Google+ control-freak obsession mania; 2) Self-serving "public service" attempts.
Mind you, Google has done and does a lot of good and generous public service. (Even when and as it is good PR and perhaps also promotes their interests -- on an optional, "opt-in" basis.)
But tying a public service to a self-serving promotion? Doesn't pass the smell test.