That's true of pretty much all web sites. Most blogs are junk or haven't been updated in years, but that doesn't mean that blogs are bad for SEO. Google isn't updating its PageRank any longer so that "high PR" thing just doesn't work. Yes! That part is true. Relevancy is very important.
There are a TON of poor quality directories that would love to wast your time and take your money. If it's not a quality directory, with a high PR, stay away! Otherwise the inclusion could do more harm then good!