LOCAL SEO (Google Places)

Hi everyone, i'm looking to get some tips on what's working in the market right now for affecting LOCAL seo. I have a few websites, all of which are doing well and have raised my GLOCAL position to the point of improving a functional business beyond sustainability but my observation is that sometimes the positions ebb and flow especially if other competitors are ranking as well in my neighborhood. Please shine some light on me so I can improve my game and offer a better service to my clients.

Here's a few topics I'm curious about:
- is it wise to have your blog roll running on the front page now?
- is it harmful to have 3-5 back-links at the bottom of your posts or throughout?
- when establishing a private blog network, what's the smartest way to get content besides spinning?
- what's more important? Site speed or link quality for non-aged domains?
- what are the quickest ways to influence the 7-packs?
- any advice for establishing referral site profiles? (yelp, foursqaure, dexknows, etc.)

it seems like right now the major movement is to get as many possible listing references to validate the location. I'm currently struggling to overcome some domains which are able to retain a high position in the local SERPS seemingly due to the age of their domains. They have a 2-3 year headstart over me.

Experiencing the same issues over here.

7 Month Old Domain vs 3/6 Year Domains.

- is it wise to have your blog roll running on the front page now?
Sure why not but if the titles are already linking from the HP then they are not necessary.
- is it harmful to have 3-5 back-links at the bottom of your posts or throughout?
If you have to ask you already answered your question.
- when establishing a private blog network, what's the smartest way to get content besides spinning?
Pay for it..find good writer and get it all written uniquely.
- what's more important? Site speed or link quality for non-aged domains?
Both
- what are the quickest ways to influence the 7-packs?
Quality citaitons from your area, good solid links to your ranking page and your Google+ page.. (works for me)
- any advice for establishing referral site profiles? (yelp, foursqaure, dexknows, etc.)
Make them honest and take ur time..

Just my .02