Is Google’s Closure of Paid Video a Sign that the Merge is Imminent

Liz at NewTeeVee has the details on Google's closure of their paid video service. She notes:

Google today emailed customers who had purchased videos from Google Video to let them know that the company will be discontinuing paid rentals and downloads five days from now. Not only will videos no longer be available for rental or download, but previously purchased videos will no longer be playable.

It appears the bonuses range from $2-10, Mike got $5. Why is Google calling this a bonus? Not sure I would have used that language as a bonus is something you get in addition to what you are already receiving not as a replacement.

My question is this: Is this the first step for the Google Video-YouTube merge? Remove the paid videos first, then complete the merge. We know that both services are not currently needed. I look for a merge within the next year unless Google Video moves into the corporate advertising realm.