> 1) Google [..] definitely works on hard algorithms
True, but Google also has over 20,000 engineers working on various things. I think only a tiny minority of those are actually working on hard algorithms.
Indeed, for Taxi drivers its better if they go slower and entertain the guests along the way.
I have had top algorithm people work for me and they can do make magic happen. But they tend to have the quirky personalities of Wizards. I once had a amazing code ask me if he could so some side work so that he could pay off his credit cards, sure no problem. Next week he came back and told me how he had bought a new 10k telescope....
True, but Google also has over 20,000 engineers working on various things. I think only a tiny minority of those are actually working on hard algorithms.