rogerbeta, I agree with most everything you said but I'm not so sure about the idea of using a single period to link to a keyword-rich html page name. I know the #1 site did it but what does Google think about it? Seems a little risky to me.

Also, creating other web sites in order to link back to your own site is referred to as creating "gateway pages" is it not? I thought that was also a risky grey hat proposition, particularly if you don't have the savvy to host them on different IP blocks. Was I understanding you correctly?

I'm certainly not saying you're wrong...just thought I knew my stuff and was surprised by these suggestions from someone who sounds like they know their stuff too. If they are valid SEO techniques I want to use them too!! ;-)

Mark