When summiting to a directory I am given a choice to have it as a featured link which cost or as a regular link or regular links with reciprocal which are both free. Which is the best and most cost effective? Also is it better to link to my main page or posts within my site.
The best one is featured. With Reciprocal links yours site is listed faster in directory than ordinary link.
But eventually your site gets cluttered with hundreds of directory links - I don't tend to use them, preferring to wait the extra time
I also want to know that.In your last question,you'd better link to your other page except main page.
Some directories have a recent feature link on it's mainpage and sitewide which are crawled by SE's which get's your site crawled. Regular are buried in the category which are crawled periodically, when? no one knows. If that category have many links, the featured remains at the top and all the other pages as well. Reciprocal links have a waiting period and depends on where you place the link which can be decided by the directory admin whether to approve or decline. Reciprocal would favor the directory, best way to be approve is to have it's link in the mainpage, if it is on a bogus page, then most likely it wont be approve at all.