Also Sometimes for some non URL queries it defaults to what feels like an 'I'm feeling lucky' search.

It doesn't do that anymore, since at least last fall when I switched to Firefox full time. I remember running into this previously -- maybe Fx 3.5 days? -- when I tried to do a unit conversion google search and it would send me to a horrible unit conversion site.

I don't think it does that anymore. I haven't observed it for quite a while.

I can confirm that. I really miss that feature.