I did read your post along with the citations, and you raise very valid points. In all fairness you didn’t cross the “personal line” that I mentioned, but I still think that you are taking Rand’s opinion too literally.

The fact that he doesn’t think that links form directories are valuable doesn’t mean he is against them.

I wonder if you read my full article and followed the sources I cited.

It was nothing of personal with Rand or SEOMOZ. If you hit some-one – be ready to get it back too.

My latest blogpost is all about why quality web directories are still indispensable.