The reporter doesn't seem to understand that Google search is a search engine not some sort of recommendation engine - the results should only be influenced by relevance imv.
I'm sure the average internet user might not understand the difference either and rely on a site's Google ranking to reflect the credibility and reliability of a website.
>In a search for "designer sunglasses", a reputable site is more relevant than a scam site.
No it's not. That search term is very open and does not indicate at all that the searcher is looking for reputable sites. A search for "good designer sunglasses store" then maybe. I think you're mixing up the job of a search engine and a review site.