.....is wrong with sub-domains. I wanted to do a link exchange with someone and gave him my URL, he said no thanks. I said why? He said well you have a subdomain and also you have mixed content so a backlink to him will not count for too much he reckons. 1) Why do people not like sub-domains? 2) What is wrong with mixed content from the same sector. So although you could have a site about different flowers, roses, white roses (NICHE), what is wrong with trees, bushes, weed etc etc?
1) I don't see a problem with sub-domains so long as they are related. 2) Again, so long as the content is all related, there's no problem with a general website if that's what you want. Obviously, the guy is looking for highly targeted link exchange or one-way links only. Find some more people with relevant sites.