The only problem with all of the strategies mentioned is that they are short term. Spending $3000 in one hit is ridiculous unless its a portion of your entire budget. Directories don't become an overnight success. What happens when the toolbar PR runs out? I think you need to look at a long term strategy of promotion. If people need a lesson, take one from Alive Directory. The owner hasn't spent a chunk of money up front then sat back on their hands counting the submissions coming in. They have continued to promote the resource the whole time. Anyone that doesn't do that is doing it the wrong way in my opinion, and all I do all day everyday is wade through directories - so ignore the advice at your peril.