> If the single search box "worked", the search would provide the results the user wanted without having to use arcane search techniques.
What if my definition of "works" includes the ability to use "arcane" search techniques? For example, I wish I could use quotes around my search terms everywhere, to get exact matches. Google now often insists that I need stemming applied in such queries, which I find to be the opposite of "works".
Your point is right on, one size does not fit all. One searcher's "works" is another's "fails". And highlights how complex the issue is, some people are the "feeling lucky" types and others are the I want to drill in and make sure I am getting what I wanted. The question may be, Are the "feeling lucky" types getting lucky?
What if my definition of "works" includes the ability to use "arcane" search techniques? For example, I wish I could use quotes around my search terms everywhere, to get exact matches. Google now often insists that I need stemming applied in such queries, which I find to be the opposite of "works".