That speaks a valume about how much control google has on Mozilla decision making process.

It doesn't say anything about that at all. Just because you're paying for something doesn't mean they have to do it your way. It is at most something to keep an eye on.

Google pays them for two reasons. To be the default search engine giving them substantial marketing and ad space, and to keep them floating and independent to lessen their probable status as a monopoly.

In fact, in the recent antitrust ruling, Google is precluded from even making exclusive deals with them.