I'd argue it's a change for the better. While the first search result has changed its position relative to the document, it has now lined up with the input of the search box at the top of the page. In the old version it did not. I would think that users eyes' are drawn to the search box, and this new format aids scanning.
Also, as monitor sizes have gone up (and this might just be a personal preference) I've found that I'd rather the important stuff be in the middle of the screen, not over on the left. Is that just me?
Edit: These images may support my contention: http://www.google.com/images?q=google%20results%20eyetrackin...