Some people are coming to judgements too quickly.
SAPE links are just like any other black hat link. Would you place a link on a Web 2.0 stuffed with nude/pharma/porn? No. You would take the time to ensure your links go on quality Web 2.0s with relevant content.
The same goes for SAPE. You would take the time to filter out the BAD links and put your links on the GOOD ones. Those who KNOW how to do this WILL benefit from the advantages. Those that just buy SAPE links and don't do anything else are the ones who may complain.
I like to use SAPE links in conjunction with our links (web 2.0s with unique content, etc etc). This is the best way in my opinion to use SAPE and even if Google does catch up to it, chances are you will be most likely fine due to your other strong backlinks around the SAPE links.
In simple words, if you KNOW how to use SAPE and their background / filters, then you are fine. Those who have had issues are probably new with SAPE because I know for a fact that it is gold, as I have been using it with other networks with great luck. SURE- one day Google will probably catch up to it. Id say another 6 months or more, but until that day comes, these links are worth being bought because the results are mind-blowing.
And no, I am not a SAPE seller.