nuevojefe - 7:40 pm on May 3, 2005 (gmt 0)

I really wouldn't go so far as to call their methods black-hat. It's insulting to the real black hats ;-)

The bottom line is that whatever methods an SEO company uses... as long as they clearly explain the potential consequences and have proper agreements in place, they're doing what the client wants and that's what they're getting paid for.

I'd also say to those thinking this won't affect their bottom line, to think again. I would imagine one of the sourest notes from losing their positioning is the opportunity cost of losing all those press calls/interviews and speaking engagements that were resultant.