Thanks for the link. That is pretty much what I am getting. I'm sure there are greater minds at Google than mine, but what is the point of closing down a service so that the new service is way, way worse than it was before.

I still have the red/blue photo place markers showing on GE; if the classic Panoramio service no longer works, why display the placeholders?

But what do I know? Greater minds on a greater pay scale must be at work!