vtrix , I get the same feel, but there could be a positive to this. Usually there is always balance- if something is rigid and unyielding, it can result with the other side becoming the opposite as a way of escaping it. Or something new will emerge to challenge/balance with it. It's a matter of where the focus is drawn I think.
I'm naturally one to go the opposite way in most situations, simply as a way to remain unique and my self.
So, from my perspective, redesigning the logo to be more in-line with what is socially acceptable is not very creative, but it is appropriate considering the context to which it represents.
I also think that people that copy styles and such things, have yet to find themselves and use it as a way of representing their self superficially. Another possibility is that they don't care who they are, or it doesn't play any importance in who they are- so they represent themselves anyway they want.
So basically, I look at the logo change as more business oriented, and not necessarily reflective of who they are, since the business revolves around other people. Maybe it is just a reflection of everyone looking at google.