theres always good you just need good backlinks, from high pr sites and authority sites doesnt have to be in your niche
I believe its this kind of attitude which 'screws' the web, irrelevant content appearing on irrelevant websites. Google is the largest SE on the planet, if you believe that they can not recognise spamming techniques you have a lot to learn.
backlinks are not becoming less important, how will google function if they do? blame something else, like alcohol!