docbird - 2:45 am on Feb 28, 2010 (gmt 0)

Yes, deeply sad that can no longer readily swap links with website owners.
I recently tried exchange with someone running related site; she wasn't up for it, as SEO experts had told her reciprocal links not useful for Google (no mention from her re any direct value to visitors).
"Excessive" a silly word from Google. Providing reciprocal links are between related site, surely sky's the limit.

As to link buying: tho can see reason for tedster's anger, I'm glad there are no guarantees this is effective.
Otherwise, having money would be key: bye bye small sites, and new sites w little funding. A shift in this direction is underway, but would be way more extreme.