Can you share your happy experience of being listed in a directory? What was the greatest gain it brought to your site? Was the money you paid to directories was worth it?
I guess higher serps for me, not from being listed in one, but from many. I dont look for a direct gain, the continued promotion using them results in a combined change.
I agree with the previously mentioned "promotion" benefit. Directories are an excellent way for sites to gain exposure and help build brand recognition. The "Greatest Gain" would have to be that I have received critical traffic and feedback from webmasters during the initial launch of many sites which have grown to have better serps and other rankings, as compared to when I started. If you are asking why submit? If you have an interesting or unique website, whatever it is, then one way to ignite the "word of mouth" benefit is through webmasters aka directory owners. Above all, stay within your budget, and keep your expectations realistic. Directories are one of many promotion options. PS: I am launching a new site in the next couple days, and I can guarantee that I will be submitting to Directories.
According to the last link in your signature you offer SEO services. As a SEO guru I'm sure you are, you should know better the answer
Quality Backlinks - that is the biggest advantage of getting listed in directories & also targetted traffic If your site is listed in niche directories
Can't speak for PR as it isn't our concern anyway. For PR, you are better off buying one of those pr8 links for $300/month, not submitting to directories...