Why is it that every time someone's rankings drop they assume that it must be some massive bombing raid perpetrated by Google. Isn't it possible that your site just isn't up to par or some other factor effecting your rankings? Honestly, I feel bad for anyone who depends on SEO for their lively hood. Seems like way too much of a headache.
Google's PPC earnings up 42%, and now they're charging money for inclusion in Google Product Search. I'm no conspiracy theorist but when I see one page websites that are shit with spun content, or blank pages and such at the top of the serps, while my sites are highly socially active, with many thousands of genuine user vistis, contributions, entirely genuine, regular updated, useful on topic, in depth, quality content that generates large community interest, crippled over night from page 1 to page 4....then I think it's worth keeping an eye on and mentioning...
It maybe that 400 other sites are suddenly deemed more interesting, more engaging, more on topic, more socially active etc all of a sudden, and fair play to their spammy, default wordpress templated brilliance.
Indeed SEO is f**ked at the moment. I need to vent some anger, let me have my two minute rant at the Google conspiracy...though I agree with your signature, it's not the be all and end all, but it sure is a big piece of the work I used to actually enjoy about owning websites.