I suggest that all user use Chrome

Could you give some details on how Chrome users were protected from this attack ?

What makes Chrome more secure than say Firefox run in a sandbox?

Answer is: nothing.

Any program run in a sandbox is secure, because when you close the browser whatever is downloaded without your approval is gone forever. So this post is nonsense.
Sandbox plus secure updated firewall, plus updated A-V: as long as it is not Symantic or McAfee, plus active scanning enabled plus a secure browser: not Internet Explorer, plus turning off remember passwords and such will make your internet experience more safe and secure.

Kudos for including more stringent certificate verification for crucial sites. Perhaps automated reporting as a next step?

This is very important information. Gmail account security is must. Everyone is having their personal accounts & having any type of personal information in it. These tips are useful & if there is any threat for security of accounts then everyone must follow these. Thanks for your valueable contribution.