what can cause such a swing in listed links in google webmaster? One crawl I have 800 links, next crawl 400 next crawl 600 and back to 200. I know that many links have not been removed. Also many links that have appeard in webmaster in the past have disappeared, but are still actual links on partner link site. Is this google not counting recipricol links? Herding cats is easier than building links.
Reciprocal links should be used sparingly, only when you stand the opportunity to get some targeted traffic in return. If most of your backlinks are from reciprocal links, then it is very possible Google will discount those links. Focus on quality one way links and your results will be much better.