Sorry, but I think search tools will evolve far faster than SEO will explode. Google changes all the time, and I can only assume they're working to make search less dependent on SEO and more focused on the content, and only the content. I could be off base, but that prediction about a $9 BILLION dollar industry for SEO seems like total bull.
I agree to a certain extent. SEO represents the failings of the Google index algorithm. But I don't think Google will ever get it perfect and there is always room where SEO (black or white-hat) can take advantage.
They said $9 billion? Oh boy, that's $9 billion swindled from the companies, then. sigh