They were just parked domains no content as such and had been with the parking company for over 4 years with not one issue. Also in the same week Google closed a majority of AdWords API accounts (including my account) see this link and also check out this link. Google is a giant gorilla that every so often beats it's chest and that is the fact and they can do whatever the hell they like :-(
Google's actions of late are becoming more and more concerning. Just a week or so ago they announced keywords will be encrypted in referrer strings for users logged on to Google, so website owners will not know what keywords / terms are driving traffic from Google. And now this..!
Who knows -maybe it might bring about competition or another start up.
I'm in two minds about all this - firstly - if you base your business model on someone elses product, then there is always a risk that it will come at a cost some day.
And, how naive can we be thinking that Google really gives a rip about anyone? It's all about the money.
I don't like it, but it is a business, so why do people complain?
Wait until Facebook starts getting facebook users involved in selling to their friends.. Ain't that gonna be a fun time.
I don't see what is soo new about this if you have been using the Google API for maps data for the last few years they have been charging for it. I know a developer who owns a API heavy real estate site and he has been paying for the API from Google for a long time.
They have only just upped the limit and charge more people now LOL