tenletters - I run a couple link lists, and I will agree with Toolguy....build as many entrance pages as you can. I'd say use about 5 recips for each one, and make it a good mix...maybe 2 heavy hitters, 1 medium, and 2 smaller link site recips per page. Make sure you read all there rules, and follow them to the tee and you shouldn't have any problems getting listed with them all. Yes, this will create a small leak, but ya can't get something for nothing. In my case, most of my traffic is coming from SE's not the sites that have a recip back to me so believe me, you won't lose that much.
Exxxotica - I'm not sure what link lists you are talking about that they will fall off the list. When someone links with me, they are there to stay. The only reason they will be removed is if their site goes down permanently, or they add shit after originally being listed which is against my rules. I am a firm believer in "do onto others as you would have them do onto you" I build free sites, and link them out....I'm not going to screw people listing with me any more than I would want to be screwed when I link out.
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May the Force Be With YOU!!
Not a FUCKING Reseller!!
The Board of Force...Get Vectorized!!