Yes, I think adding a google search box is IMHO a poor choice, when there are tons ppc se's to choose from, that are happy to pay you for your traffic. But if someone prefers to give their clicks away, that's their choice.
No, I don't see anything wrong giving a link back for free content. I use some plugins myself and they all come with a link back.
But since you recommended this site, I just wanted to let people know that these scripts are available free at other sites with no link back or ads. But most of all that ppc se's will pay top dollars for using their search results instead of their free search engine. And it's the so-called free search engine that I think is the ripoff on that site.
Hope you don't take this personally. I'm just giving my view of that site.
