Buy Google and tell the engineers to place my site number one for every relevant query : )

Honestly create a content strategy, you could hire X number of experts who's sole job is to create great content/ useful features and tools for your site. If you have unlimited budget there is no reason not to keep your strategy squeaky clean in my opinion.

Yea I agree. I have performed many searches on Google shopping and grouped listings seem to perform substantially better than individual listings.

However, that sucks because you don't want to list your products right next to your competition's if you don't want to right? Well the easy work around IMO is to amazon.com. Create a unique SKU and list that on your Google base feed as one of your unique identifiers. Also upload your product inventory to Amazon using this same SKU. Alter these product's prices in relation to your commission you are forced to pay amazon. In a head to head comparison (like what customers will see on Google shopping) it will drive customers to your store instead of Amazon. Using this method you will have all the benefits of a grouped listing, but none of the disadvantages. Plus, the sheer amount of ratings Amazon has will result in them pulling up your listing compared to others.  Essentially you are paying amazon a small set fee in order for their help in Google Shopping results. I have used this strategy in the past for products that don't come from the manufacturer with a UPC, and it has worked for me.

Good luck!