Ok, read the first page of the GG thread, and several replies here in this thread. So I'm ready to jump right in a give my opinion, here goes.
First, skimming is obviously a method that tgp's and other sites use to trade traffic between themselves.
As it pertains to a sponsor hosted gallery, or sponsor provided content is where theres potential issues. That is to say that if a sponsor allows you to use their content for the explicit purpose of promoting their site it means you may *not* skim traffic from one of their thumbs. Simple as that. Do many sponsors overlook it? Perhaps, thats besides the point though
I do not think that a domain should have been nuked for it however as I see that as pretty harsh. Probably an email to the affiliate would have cleared it up (as I did in one run on sentance).
As a personal side note, I really despise skimming because it doesn't make common sense if the goal is to get repeat surfers. But thats neither here nor there.
Bottom line for me: The sponsor was within their rights unquestionably, but perhaps went about it harshly if skimming is all that was involved. The host could have sent an email, instant message, or phone call (I know mine would have).
Carry on
