Did you read the sticky at the top of the link exchange section... or the FAQ for the whole site? If you want to respond to a Link Exchange you should do so by private message. Save the thread for questions and feedback.
Reminder: Don't complain about infractions! It is okay to ask but no use complaining, the mods always have the final say on what is appropriate and what's not. You're only asking for another one. Read the forum stickies and rules clearly and don't miss anything so that you won't get an infraction again. As for the infractions that you've recently received, live with it and learn from that mistake and move on.