Except Google figured out how to monetize the success. I knew it was bad when the JRE install started asking if I wanted to install search bars in my browser.

I think, per Zero to One, Thiel (for one) would argue otherwise. Take away search (read: ads on SERPs) and Google is close to an average, if not subpar, "success story."

Take away the iPhone and Apple is a failing computer manufacturer. Take away Windows and Microsoft is a mediocre console maker and makes Office. So?

Read Zero to One. It'll explain the situation better than I can in a tiny textbox :)