Yes, that's right, most of the publishers just thinking about making borders around the images or putting a line between images and ads, in my case why google accepts the images next to ads because of the borders around the ads and not to the images my humble opinion, better try in that way and send the url to google to review, they quickly answers (i got in 2 days) and make confirm with them, because in this issue they are the judges...
1. what if your images were CLICKABLE? then it wouldn't be trying to deceive the visitor in thinking that to see the image they have to click on the text. 2. has anyone ever sent a request to adsense to review and then get banned? just wondering...
1. Still its bit confusing thing images near ads, probably i think the new policy won't get affect to everybody and the best and safe option is send your website to the adsense support and ask them to review and in this issue they are the judges whether its ok or not... 2. I don't think people get banned for this issue and if so, why the arbitrage method is still going, google never bans for arbitrage, but only they make higher CPC to them in adwords, still they did'nt say 'there should any arbitrage anymore' like that this issue (images near ads) could be another one, so banning for this is ridiculous, one option can be done, google can send a warning message to publisher if it is against their new TOs... Still i am clearing again, i did'nt post this thread of my own thoughts or anybody suggestions, I mailed google about this issue (images near ads) and they reviewed my site and replied me and I posted here.. so any more queries i highly recommend contact google immediately, they're too good to replay.. have a good day..