Multiple Sites All Linked to Each Other = PBN Penalty?

Hi guys. I am wondering I want to build out a network of sites.. A forum, a blog and a maybe a Moneysite/Webapp...

I know by right you should not leave any footprint and that normally it would be like the first scenario.

<a href="https://ibb.co/kqQpJ8"><im...linking.png" alt="pbnlinking" border="0"></a>


I am trying to do Scenario 2.
What is the best way to optimize link juice and not risk penalty/whatever?

Nofollow links to myself?

PBNs are frowned upon by big G because they are attempts to manipulate the system and are often poor quality (leading to poor user experience). If your sites are providing value and are related, I see no issue with linking to each other.

Dude, i think you got something wrong. Legitimate sites can be interlinked what-so-ever.

All that de-index pbn is bullshit...really. Imagine you're a big TV company or a big whatever. Those companies have like HUNDREDS or THOUSANDS of Sites which are somehow connected to one or another.

The problem with MOST PBN's is that those websites just suck. They literally do, their texts are crappy, their content is crappy, they look like shit and all they do is linking out to other websites.