not surprising

Well with a £10 million pension and a healthy "golden parachute" coming his way, I doubt anybody will feel too sorry for him. Still, it's not really his fault but he's convenient target for the media.

Is someone 'taking responsibility' really what we need? Is that productive? How much will this change in leadership disrupt the organization of the company? How will this affect cleanup efforts? Is this act just a burnt effigy?

Personally I feel like this is just an attempt at spin, to change the focus of public scrutiny and opinion.

Yes, spin is exactly what it is. Of course that's what it is. It will have little to no actual impact on Tony Hayward, BP, or the environment. It will still be a largely successful attempt at spin.