> just for fun (but, of course, pay them for their work).

Doing things for fun isn't in Google's remit

Alas, it was, once upon a time.

Then they shouldn't have offered it as a free service in the first place. It's like that discussion about how Google in all its 2-ton ADHD gorilla glory will enter an industry, offer a (near) free service or product, decimate all competition, then decide its not worth it and shutdown. Leaving a desolate crater behind of ruined businesses, angry and abandoned users.

It used to be. AdSense came from 20% time!