I definitely believe the agreement is necessary for Google to have regular access to its current channels looking forward (both across the net and especially with Android through Verizon). Yes, it is good for business.
There may be a huge outrage over it, but I tend to doubt it.
Furthermore, the anecdote "Sergey Brin did not want to cave to any of the Chinese demands to operate inside of mainland China, but Eric Schmidt talked him into it", if true, is pretty good evidence that the founders are more idealistic. I don't think that is patronizing.
I think this is spot on. The problem here isnt that Google did what it did, it's that they shouted about it for the other side for so long, and then switched teams. The same thing with China. If you're going to take a hard stance on something, then do it and people will respect it for you. But Google is turning into all talk and no walk, and walking straight into the next Microsoft.
If they had just said from the beginning that they were out for their own interest (just like everyone else), and not tried to play the good guy even when it would hurt them, then nobody would be surprised by this.
There may be a huge outrage over it, but I tend to doubt it.
Furthermore, the anecdote "Sergey Brin did not want to cave to any of the Chinese demands to operate inside of mainland China, but Eric Schmidt talked him into it", if true, is pretty good evidence that the founders are more idealistic. I don't think that is patronizing.