Where is the popularity column?

I want to second this. I was also able to sort on popularity.

Especially new linux users told me that the rating system was very helpful in finding the right software.
Where is it gone?

Not only new users, but also advanced users.

Example:
When I look for a rename utility I search for "rename" and sort the search results on rating. Than I pick the one that has a high rating and a Gnome icon. Both options (rating in Gnome/KDE icon) are gone.

I really don't understand people like this more than the older add/remove software. The old one was much better.

I found the answer myself - the schedule is a bit disappointing:

October 2009 - Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala
    Introduce a new simple interface for locating, installing, and removing software, with better security based on PolicyKit instead of gksudo.[3]
April 2010 - Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx
    The Software Center will replace Synaptic, Software Sources, Gdebi, and possibly the Update Manager. This will include finding, installing, and uninstalling non-graphical software such as utilities, fonts and database software. A system will be included using Launchpad to allow interactive software ratings and reviews.[3]
October 2010 - Ubuntu 10.10
    Integration of the ratings and review system from Launchpad into the Software Store, including the ability to purchase software.[3]
April 2011 - Ubuntu 11.04
    Improve sharing and tracking of software within the Store, to allow lists of installed software by parameters such as license, cost, or maintenance timetable. Allow users to find software by seeing what their friends have installed and also downloading a package once for deployment on several computers. There will also be a history feature that will indicate past software installations, removals and purchases, which will allow specific changes to be undone. At this stage the application should allow finding and installing specialized packages, including fonts and screensavers.

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Software_Center

Oh! That is promising!!

Hello,
I have Ubuntu 8.10 and I saw that information displayed within widows are a bit poor and still missing popularity column despite roadmap.
I have a suggestion: why not introducing a display of already installed font sample.
Globaly why not introducing a sort of basic wiki (linked to launchpad) for each software/font/theme/codec/pluggin description allowing interactive software ratings and reviews.
Good progress by the way ...