CainIV - 11:49 pm on Nov 28, 2011 (gmt 0)

If you're using any kind of system, adding a random factor doesn't remove the underlying pattern. And if/when Google decides to look at that underlying pattern and devalue it while perhaps inflating the value of some other factor, that's when you run into problems.

No, but it reduces the risk by one more level. Any more toward diversification of the link profile build reduces risk.

Definitely, there is always risk.

Then there is the law of diminishing returns. The further one works to reduce the last percentage points of risk, exponentially does the workload increase.

I would say find a level that you are comfortable with - and one that ultimately is much more thought out than competitors - and you are probably doing ok.