I heard that directories have lost their values many of the notable directories are not worth anymore? Is it worth submitting to Joeant, Business.com and BOTW and paying for them? Any benefits?
A quality web directory is not a link farm, they will review your website submission. The fee is for the time it takes to do a website content review. I wouldn't buy links using article directories. BOTW has a high domain authority.
The golden rule is to always request traffic stats directly - as any site worth its salt should have no problem supplying its stats. If the owner has a 'problem' about revealing its visitor count - then avoid such websites. But always check stats if you can. Sadly - many won't reveal their stats for various reasons from just being guarded/protective - to not getting much traffic at all - but always check stats if you can.