What search engine do you use instead of google?
I actually still use Google Advanced occasionally, but I recommend Startpage; it also has an Advanced version.
I have found I can circumvent Google bias by use of Advanced funtions; the monitoring facet is a separate issue.
My problem with the other alternatives is that they do not have an Advanced versions.
You could still achieve similar results, but it would require study on how to specify parameters effectively, and much more effort in typing.