"Accurate"? — Only Google knows. But more accurate? Yes, I would say that the 5,554 links Google Webmaster Tools displays for my website is more accurate than the 77 links Google's link:yourwebsite command displays.
Ok I see your point and here is something for you to consider. The 77 links Google shows with the link: command, could be the ones they consider of any value. Seriously Google is NOT giving out the keys to Ft Knox...
Links update confirmed! Strangely they went up by more than 100% + lol Got about 60000+ now from 25000 earlier
Not the case. In the larger Google list, but not included in the link: command's 77 links, are tons of links from very credible sites with nice PR.
If the links shown with the link: command were the most vaulable ones then they would have given you the keys to Fort Knox That is the LAST thing they would do