Yep, Diversity in general is a big factor right now, but it was important in the past, too. In addition people need to consider, that Google slapped a LOT of properties lately. A lot of Web 2.0s and social sites got de-indexed, concurrent with the devaluation and complete annihilation of public blog networks like ALN, BMR and several more.
If you add it all together:
Missing onpage SEO + no linkvelocity + missing anchor & IP diversity + Linkloss due to de-indexation of aforementioned properties + overoptimization of kw targets + comparibly thin content + panda/penguin = Slap on your ass!
Of course this is all speculative, but what we've gathered, after we took a look at several of our own sites and sites of our clients: It's time to build your brand! Think targeted quality links like niche guestposts, relevant blog comments, perm. PR HP posts with relevant unique content, unique Web 2.0. mini-nets, your own private network (target anchors: focus on brand, raw url, main kw + longtail + variations and some generics) + lots and lots of anchor diversity (sitewide targeting with lots and lots of longtails and generics - you can do this with Wikis, anchored profiles (ExpressionEngine i.e.), bookmarks, social signals, image sharing & infographics or even semi-private blogposting) + keep the linkvelocity up (Drip, drip and drip even more! Or at least blast frequently) + get your frickin' onpage SEO straight! Make shit that actually has value. Use your beloved pump and dump MFAs (yes, they still rank fairly well and we have quite a few of those too) to finance bigger and better sites or to build your own priv. network.
Now back to the drawing board everyone!
