i think this is a good idea as long as the image is relevent as that why google have banned the images next to adverts as you cant determine the advert
It would explain the recent heavy crackdown by Adsense in relation to images-next-to-ads. They are removing all the "bad apples" who abuse the situation by placing luring pictures next to ads (We've all seen the bikini babes). As long as the images are correctly reviewed inside Adwords it should work amazingly: It gives publishers a higher CTR, it gives potential customers more insight before clicking an ad and it should give advertisers better conversions.
I think I have seen this kind of new format some time ago. And then this format never shows up again.
if the images would be directly related to the ad than I think it would be a great ad format and it would surely attract more clicks
I think its a great idea but I dont know if they will go for it. It would make the ads more appealing though and attract more clicks.