Google have recently patented new technology that will better evaluate links. Also MSN have patented block level link analysis, which will further alter the value of a link, not only from what site it comes from, or what page within the site it comes from, but different values for where on the page it resides.
right, so its not like having the coop, or links on link pages is gonna do you any harm, just not as much good as a 1 way static link from a related home page? Isn't that pretty much the case anyway, or is this them cracking down further?
Cracking down further very much. Although this has nothing to do with your current situation IMO, this is more a 'for the future' consideration.