> Spotify manipulates recommendations to what makes them the most money, not necessarily what is best for user satisfaction.

I was once a heavy user of Pandora, I am now a heavy user of Spotify, and I'm considering switching back. I think you're right.

But, having experienced both services at the peak of their quality, I think "stronglikedan" is correct, that Pandora has a greater ability (in addition to a greater desire) to analyze the way that music sounds.