I did an experiment where I built a site then only built links through web directory submissions that I thought some of you might be interested in. I posted it in the web directory forum. Here's a link to the results: http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=2172178
You're absolutely right. The directory links take a lot of time to give you positive results. For quicker results you need to focus on other types of links. My favorites are Bookmarking, Blog Commenting and Forum Links.
The point of the test wasn't about the amount of time it took to rank. Rather, how well do web directories work without any other link building. The end result was very encouraging for people with good sites. You'll rank pretty well with web directories alone, then other link building like forums, articles, etc. will be what gets your site to the very top.
The quality of backlinks of directories is usually very watered down, as there are often so many other links on each page, with very little content. It would usually take a LOT of directory backlinks to equal one or two good backlinks from a regular site. I think it takes a balanced approach to linkbuilding and directories should be a part of that strategy. *Nice directory listing, btw!
Exactly. Link building should be just like any other marketing effort. You should be looking for as may places as possible to advertise your site.