I am also interested in creating high pr for my sites, is it worthwhile using directory submissions to create backlinks? Even article marketing may create backlinks - anyone had any luck with this?
Exchange link with 3-4 high page ranked website, add your website to 10-20 good directories, add unique articles.. At least pr3
Like most have said, the way to get a high PR is to exchange links and get backlinks. I don't think PR is very important. Ranking high is much more important.