Goggle - I've tried your solution several times and saved each time. Works for a little while and then automatically resets back to instant search after closing and re-opening the browser.

 

Given the amounts of complaints noted at this post and several others, the lack of a worthwhile response to the issue  speaks volumes about Google leadership.  It wasn't broken before but now it is.

 

If a permanent solution isn't provided shortly, it will not be worth it to have Google as my homepage or search engine.