http://www.rankchecker.com/pagerank-checker/#www.projectword.co.uk Being a good critic of Directories, if you can say that he has a well maintained directory.. How do you explain that this directory only rank for one key word "uk directory free" I think there is a definite change in Google's mind about directories..
If you are using unique descriptions then it works, but I would recommend using high pr directories. All high pr directories are not made on dropped domain, the percentage would be just 2% of dropped domain directories, and you have to build natural links so including directories is also a good idea. And from Yahoo, you get good result if you do directory submission, and don't forget that directory submission is the oldest method of link building. Google gives value to old methods, old things too.
I think directory submission is not spam. If you do related & High PA & DA Directories so you will not get penalty from Google.