I guess the whole objective of the regular Google updating change process is to attempt to outmanouevre the SEOs and companies that are deciphering any existing algorithm. With all the links for sale and automated link building businesses, Google has stepped in to nullify the impact of these questionable practises.
It seems like a continuous process.
1. Google changes the algo. And wrong foots the
SEO community.
2.
SEO community in disarray. Much alarm and discussion.
3. Slowly the algo changes are deciphered by the more perceptive members of the
SEO community. Their thoughts are posted on forums like this one.
4. Entrepreneurs (for want of a better word) spot the opportunity of exploiting the new algorithm. This could be keyword stuffing, link building, anchor text building etc. They build business models around their "engima" style approach.
5. Early adopters begin to rise in the SERPs.
6. Many sites jump on the band wagon and devalue the SERPs in competitive categories.
7. Google changes algo.
This time 'round, for some, reason Google appears to have rewarded OBLs. Maybe this is because nobody out there is advocating them.