Okay, I would have to say I'm searched out on this one. I know the answer is out there somewhere but I can't seem to find it. If you want to use a "Click Here to Expand" Expandable DIV using CSS so that your page is not cluttered is that considered hidden text? In my case it is actual useful internal links that I don't want to move off the home page, since the older users do use them, but I don't want them to clutter the new design. The closest answer I seem to be able to come up with is here: From: http://www.seroundtable.com/archives/016567.html
Yes, it's hidden; BUT, if it's done for the benefit of your users and not as an attempt to game or otherwise manipulate the search engines, you will not be penalzied for it. (Otherwise CSS image substitution and dropdown menu techniques would not be used by ANYONE out of fear of being banned from the search engines.) And in case you're wondering, I've got six years of Web development and SEO experience to back this statement up.
I agree with Dan 100%, as long as your not using it to manipulate search results you should be fine. If in some rare instance you did get penalized you could always submit a re-inclusion request with details containing the reasoning for using it. Any human review should reveal your true intentions.
Thanks Dan, I appreciate the quick response - I now can setup the site the way I wanted to with a little less stress Thanks for the comment ssandecki, Hopefully it would never come to that.
Doubt it will, but you can never say never. Thats when random probability will come bite you in the butt.