[stunt]

I think that period was part of their investment and also helped them to improve the product. And like any other investment, they need to make money as well. I can imagine Maps is an expensive product to operate. I also hate ads and I hope they find a different way to make it reasonably profitable.

[gowld]

There is a fine line between "investment to build a product" and "dumping below cost to win consumers over via low prices, then raising prices"

[reciprocity]

Google already makes money hand over fist. I am not sure if what you posit holds water.