We’ve heard for a while that Google was going to allow some rich media into AdWords - because people respond to pictures vs. a text link by a factor of 4:1 (I have seen this on sites where I have analytics with ClickStream Overlays) – it’s always consistant – 4:1 is the ratio and it’s almost always 4:1, four times more people like to click on a picture link than a textual link.

"Sightings are starting to grow with this new Google phenomenon. Google AdWords with Pictures placed above text."

I would have expected more variety than just one face – like little pieces of artwork next to each ad.   But lets think about that for a second.  

If AdWords had pictures next to the Ads would that not tend to pull attension away from Organic results to the Paid Results?  And if that was the case – could it be that Organic Results will eventually have pictures next to them too?  (lets’ be fair…right?)