I agree that Google like tools than content. But, about.com is unique as
- social network of guides. Along the lines of answers.google.com.
- Integrating them along with define: queries
- microsoftish, "who shot JFK" one word answers.
- plastering adsense and diversification of their revenue stream

etc...

I for one, always liked about.com except for their clutteredness. Thank god for Adblock!!

Good points. It might be they just love to have a content pool like this to play around with, to try out "automated expert answers" and the like.