Is modifying Google's search URL "blackhat"?

I notice if I search for a site with the advanced options for google it puts:


But if I add the typical extension for US local:

&gl=US

Click to expand...

It gives me a different search position (20 position shift)?!?!

Is Google punishing us for using this manual tweak to the URL?

How can I get consistent search result for US english?

I found this page that always gives me a conflicting info too which doesn't help!
www ventio se /seo-tools/google-position/

Thanks for any assistance.

Without really looking into it, it's possible that adding the Google Local flag is just changing the algorithm or data center being used to display results.

Perhaps you don't rank as well under that algorithm or in that data center.

Yeah I saw with some other SEO tools that it matters what data center you hit if they are calculating results at the time.

With the last Caffeine update I'm guessing we'll have more chances to get mixed results?

I guess the real question is:

"If a customer asked you 'What position is my site in on Google?', how would you lookup the info to make sure it's right for US English searches?"

Thanks!

Is everyone in the same boat with this question?

Don't tell me I've stumped everyone?

Been a day.. I'll bump one more time before assuming this isn't going to get any answers.