Who ever actually goes directly to google.com? The only way I noticed this insignificant change was in my interactions with the results page. Why does this non-news have 375 points?
As you point out yourself, the Google logo exists in many places besides their homepage. (Plus many people still visit the homepage, even if you and I don't.)
I do. Just because you don't does that make you assume no one else does? and your actions represent every user on the internet?
I have my browser set to open google with every new tab.