A Cre8asite Forums thread discusses how Google's PR team sent out a box of Google goodies to a upset Google Checkout shopper. Kirb, at his blog, complained about his difficulties trying to buy something from Buy.com with Google's new Google Checkout. Well, soon after, that unhappy user was showered with an apology letter from Libby Neville at Google and tons of Google shwag.
Cre8asite Forums discusses the press benefits for Google and this act. All I know, is that this made the press and spread pretty quickly.
Forum discussion at Cre8asite Forums.