Hmm, ranking so low will cause huge jumps. I don't want to be rank #300 after submitting to directories. I'd like to see this experiment done on a site that ranks page 10. Maybe there will be almost 0 affect?
Just make sure that you are getting some other links as well.. Not all links should be from directories.. And other than directries like BOTW or yahoo, I have never understood the significance of paid directories.. WHy should a paid directory be better than a free one? Because link neighbourhood is the ONLY negative factor if any exists for directory And I believe, my personal belief, paid directory has more incentive to link to a bad site than a free directory.. Why would a free directory accept a sppammy site? Unless they are on Auto Accept. I have avoided paid directory since long.. Directories have worked wonders for me.. But it was never directory only..