Which directories did you submit your site (got backlinks from) that impacted on your offsite SEO? I mean the ones that got you results the next day or the day after
The main purpose is to get link from directories so if link links comes from that directories it is good for your site. rest doesnt matter.
High PR directories have a great impact to SEO because these directories are popular and because these high quality sites receive a higher PageRank based on visitors and traffic these site receives.....