You certainly sound like a lawyer, but your profile says you are not.

Why do you think there are no legal ramifications? Same name, same domain... you'd have to be a lawyer to really know if there was a case to be made, right?

It'd be better to do it now and leave this little dude alone than to continue the ambiguity. Google's Go is only a day old, not too much to lose if they change the name now.

Also, maybe math guy has some money, or will find some money, and litigate, as he's already expressed his displeasure at the collision.

I think it's best for everyone if Google just man up and make the change now. In the end it will only generate more publicity for both Gos, and everyone will be happy, and the threat of unpleasant ramifications (including bad PR and possible litigation) vanishes. Fingers crossed that Google will do it, though I doubt they will.

Its dickish to not change the name. Its kind of evil. Google isn't supposed to do that. So maybe they'll change it? I would.