Latest Google Update May Cause ReThinking of Link Promotion Campaigns

Latest Google Update May Cause ReThinking of Link Promotion Campaigns
 
Recently (approx. July 15-17th), Google updated the backlinks tracked for indexed websites. It seems they are now showing many more low ranking (PageRank less than 4) backlinks than they usually do. In addition, it seems, certain high ranking backlinks are not showing up in backlink search results using the advanced search option link:www.mywebsite.com.
 
As of posting this document, Google has only updated the backlinks while not modifying visible PageRank (PR) nor Search Engine Ranking Positions (SERPs). There has been much discussion regarding this "update" among the SEO community via online forums questioning whether Google is trying to look at relevancy more for high PR links.
 
Also, there is considerable discussion that Google seems to be trying to make link brokering less effective or at least more difficult to perform as a business. Considering the history of Google and web site backlinks, it seems only prudent to continue striving for more Inbound Links (IBLs) from a wide variety of C class IP addresses while keeping "theme" where practical. If we can maintain a perspective on PR values for specific pages, this would be ideal. If not, we must work with what we have (in my personal opinion).
 
Posturing Changes on the Forums
 
Considering the above mentioned changes by Google and the concerns expressed within the SEO and Web Designer online forums, there have been people trying to rent hundreds of links from varied IP addresses for a few dollars (or equivalent) each. This very well may become a more cost effective technique of link purchasing rather than buying a few higher PR (e.g. PR 4+) IBLs or even just sponsoring a single extreme web site.
 
As usual, time will tell...