We now know that images next to ads are against TOS, but what about images next to link units? Is that allowed?
should be fine, there are no charges to advertisers when someone clicks on a link unit.... the ads show up on the subsequent page....
It really depends on the purpose of the images. If they are their to draw attention to the link unit, it's probably a no no.
you must read http://adsense.blogspot.com/2006/12/ad-and-image-placement-policy.html . Adsense explained your question at their own blog