Why I avoid free links shared here?

Every once in a while you see threads with some high DA/DR that you can build for free. Some are ok... for free links. BUT others create a footprint.

And I am not talking about the kind of footprint that google can detect... if they are to be bothered with things that are flying under the radar.

I am talking about leaving footprints for other IMers like you and me. People that wouldn't have a problem to 'steal' your niche.
If you know you have worked hard to identify a niche with low competition, for example, this can hurt.

For many people here it is easy to outrank noobs that don't have access or the budget to invest in good links.

And for that reason, I avoid free links shared here.

I won't share posts/threads where you can find footprints of fellow members for 3 reasons:
1. I don't want to out anyone
2. sharing is caring and I don't want to discourage members to share link sources
3. some shares are decent and they don't leave a footprint (for example popular web2.0's that many use)

What is your take on 'free' links shared here?

It's all about diversity, I personally try to stick with only high-quality guest posts but it's fine if you build a few of these backlinks(if they seem like a quality source/site) to less important pages of your website.

fancy links with fancy metrics,
the same links which you can create thousands of them using some automation tool

My take on free links is that if you can get it for free it probably isn't worth the effort

Nothing wrong with that, to each his own. Free link shares are always avoidable for me in my opition.

Comment backlinks are will be a problem for you then. Sometimes I am checking comments for niches tbh. My preference will be profile backlinks highly in this situation. Actually Web 2.0 links not bad for hiding no one seeing your posts.

Free may have a hidden exorbitant prices