Interesting observations...

[usbnuts]

Perhaps my theory only applies to my keyword 'USB'. I found out that even though there 3,300,000 pages competing with my site, it isn't such a difficult task to get within top 20.

I think it has to do with the fact that only a handful of USB themed pages are highly optimized and very popular.

The reason why there are so many USB pages on Google is that there're just so many 'USB' on the web.

[ihelpyou]

Good observations usbnuts! Yes. Sometimes getting ranks is not that difficult. AND, as you say, most sites are not optimized. This is VERY true....

[usbnuts]

Yea, an example would be my USB 1.1 Explained. It's on the second page after you search with 'usb'.

This page is in nowhere, but it climbs to the Top 20 place within a month.

I think it's just extremely difficult to climb to the top 5. The ones ranked first places have almost PERFECT link popularity.

[ihelpyou]

oh yes. To get on the first page for a very popular keyword is quite a feat. Anyone who does..... kudos to you! As long as it is done with NO tricks involved.