If a domain has lots of links on the site but not many backlinks on other sites would it result in a poor google ranking? Is there some kind of optimal ratio to aim for?
A backlink is a vote. A link from yourself to yourself is not a valid vote. So yes, you can't expect good rankings without a decent number of quality external backlinks. Optimal ratio would be infinity:1 in favour of external links. And you only need as many internal links as is necessary for good user experience/easy navigation.
It would be too easy and silly if people could just add a bunch of their website links on their own site and affect google ranking this way.
Pretty much the same. If an outgoing link adds value to your visitor's experience, post it. Otherwise, don't. Any link out is a link that isn't making you any money. You probably rather get them clicking on an ad, signing up to your newsletter or whatever it is you offer. More links in than out would be best.
This is a funny question As only backlinks counts in PR and Rankings Links (and the site structure can help only for bether indexing)
every link from the others to your site will help you to get better results. the key point on seo is backlinks (links from related sites to your site)
Backlinks can help you improved your rankings. While having many links pointing other unrelated site is not good. It is consider as link farm site.