I remember in 1999, the DOJ wanted to split Microsoft into smaller parts. Now, the government wants to separate Chrome from Google. Google's business plan is to collect data and sell it, this is how Chrome, Gmail, etc. are free to use. Without Chrome Google might have to start charging for GMail, etc.
Gmail was free (with ads) from the very beginning, before Chrome existed.
If Google charges for Gmail in the future, they might try to spin it as being because of not having Chrome, as an excuse, but it won’t be why.
Google sort of charges for Gmail (Google Apps). Maybe solution will be to fill the free version (Gmail proper) with spam, ads, and other shit to the brim so people start seeing it as a demo version, then offer them a personal/family span on Google Apps with limited features.