This thread is a little old, but I couldn't resist a reply...
"Alexa" is something I've had an issue with. Spybot S & D considers the Alexa Related toolbar to be spyware! If I'm understanding this correctly; Alexa is a sort of re-routing software, associated with Microsoft. I have it on my computer, but I NEVER use it.
Spybot says it can replace it with some sort of Google function bar, but I've never been desperate enough about it to let Spybot fidget with my computers guts like that. I never use any kind of "links" like this, because I don't like not knowing where it might send me!
As far as the article goes, I don't know if it's true or not. You know the saying though: another word for statistics, is lies! Statistics can be manipulated so easily. I remember a funny story about statistics...
There was once a poll taken in London, which asked each person how often they showered or bathed. Lo and behold: the statistics showed that everyone in London bathed every day!
Many companies manipulate statistics to some extent. I don't think it's always intended as total deception, but... you know...