Some times automatic link exchange totally random, listing of website not going to provide any targeted traffic. You can waste your time and energy. I am not getting any good result from automatic link exchange system.
I don't think the idea of automatic link exchanges are to get traffic, they are to get backlinks and thus help in your SERPs position. But I do agree that they provide poor quality links much of the time.
Yes manual submission will help you and link exchange? for get about it. google can trap 6 way link exchange so..dont try to do it.
Doing it manually is still the best method to build reciprocal links, especially if you want QUALITY links.
hmmmmm, i think reciprocal links nowadays are not that important, "ONE WAY LINKS" & "3 WAY LINKS" rocks!!!!!