I see the answer to your article as a compliment to Apple. The way I see it:
Google is capable of making good products and services... Apple is capable of making great products and services. Does Apple have flops? Yes and boy do I remember Newton and I never "got" Ping. I am a developer and consumer. I really like Google but love Apple so yeah I personally hold Apple to higher standards. Amazon would be my #2 with Google sitting at #3 (along with 5-6 other companies, ie Netflix, Tablo, Kia, etc) in terms of consumer respect.
Hope that helps the conversation