info.vilesilencer.com is one of the best source of 'free' quality directories. I believe you have to make your own list and remove the bad ones when you see them. That's the best way to make a quality list.
Directorycritic is the best site for it. just search it you will get best directory list there. Offshore software development teams mostly use directorycritic for their link directory database...
I wouldn't agree with that.. I try directory critic list around once a month. Nearly 30% directories are paid / dead.