That's okay because there is one image associated with 4 (or 2) links in the ad unit. The big problem arises when there is one image per link unit, all neatly lined up. See the Inside AdSense blog: adsense.blogspot.com/2006/12/ad-and-image-placement-policy.html
The only thing I am concerned about is this: "If your visitors believe that the images and the ads are directly associated, or that the advertiser is offering the exact item found in the neighboring image, they may click the ad expecting to find something that isn't actually being offered." You need to make sure that the user doesn't associate the image with the ad unit, and I'm sorry to say that the first of the two examples makes the image look like it is part of the ad unit.
There will always be people who think that ads and the images are associated. So what should a publisher do? take out his brains and put it in the freezer? I think Google should lighten up and I don't see anything wrong with the ads, they're tastefully done IMO
Yes, the visitor will click the ads because he thought there is a relationship between image and ad links
did some one has proven this method to increase ctr? or someone has email the google team about this kind of placement?
the problem with increasing ctr is that it doesnt neccessary mean increased income. You may be smartpriced if you have low conversions, and start getting really stinkass amount per click. Happened to me when I was running images close to ads, so I removed the images and the income increased again.
A very creative idea I must say but if you know the owner of that site, advice him to email G and ask them if he is breaking any rule.
one of my site already using this approach. already email google, and they gave a green light. however, my ads got border.