Actually it's good that they are using Flash Video. Any web browser that supports Javascript and Flash can play the videos. No messing around with codecs, media players and plugins. One simple solution that works for most people with Linux, OSX, Windows and possibly more. And, on video.google.com, if you really must have the original file you can click a small link and download it - in the original format. Cross-platform streaming video playback without the mess? That'll be the Google.