I'm not sure if this is 'Operate as if in a vacuum' so much as 'Challenge assumptions', especially if you are entering a competitive market.
Challenge the format, the value, the technology, and the ability of users (both searchers and advertisers) to learn and adjust when the technology delivers more value.
It was a ballsy move. Any number of 'hypothetical' scenarios could have seen it fail massively. Of course, we know that it didn't - and even if it may in your business, there's still good reason to challenge the assumptions you and everyone else are making.
Challenge the format, the value, the technology, and the ability of users (both searchers and advertisers) to learn and adjust when the technology delivers more value.
It was a ballsy move. Any number of 'hypothetical' scenarios could have seen it fail massively. Of course, we know that it didn't - and even if it may in your business, there's still good reason to challenge the assumptions you and everyone else are making.