I can guarantee you that in the eyes of top young grads Google has looked less interesting than Facebook for several years now. Google is where you go if you aren't good enough for Facebook. It's a safe, stale, big corp that is the dream job of every mediocre, middle-aged programmer out there.
Seriously? I have a bit of background on research, and Google always looked the more attractive choice, still does. I'd pick Facebook in anticipation of a massive IPO, honestly; I wouldn't expect to be equally appreciated in Google.
Are you implying that it is easy for mediocre, middle-aged programmers to join Google, and consider that as the plan B for their career? I'd say the opposite.
