Yes, Robert, lots of eyeballs is good–especially if the cost doesn’t get out of control in relation to the return.
I would add though that not only is there lots to do wtih improving search results, there’s lots to do in terms of exploring alternative ways to place ads–even the simple text ads today.
Here are a couple simple examples:
* Currently ads are in a panel off to the side when displaying search results. If the user sees something interesting, let them “expand” the page into a full page ad view so they can see a whole bunch of ads at once if they want.
* If the reader sees an add that they’re interested in let them click on a link to see “similar” ads. Or possibly let the user search the ads or list by category.
Maybe both of these are better covered within Google base or Froogle, or maybe not. Maybe there’s more to be gained by flipping the problem on its head.
Finally, here’s one more thing I’d like to see: as a software publisher of Tablet apps, give me a way target Tablet PC owners and that’s where my ads will go.