It's also pretty ideal feature to keep around even if it is mostly unused.
1) It isn't very complicated -- it doesn't require a lot of code that is going to rot.
2) When it is used, it's cheaper rather than more expensive.
3) It only "clutters" a UI that isn't actually seen that often nowadays -- you have to actually go to google.com, rather than just typing in the browser bar -- and isn't particularly cluttered.
However, if it makes the experience worse then it’s not worth keeping. I’m sure they did some study where they found that most users weren’t happy and had to go back.
1) It isn't very complicated -- it doesn't require a lot of code that is going to rot.
2) When it is used, it's cheaper rather than more expensive.
3) It only "clutters" a UI that isn't actually seen that often nowadays -- you have to actually go to google.com, rather than just typing in the browser bar -- and isn't particularly cluttered.