I think the only point was that it gave him a channel to put his URL before the
public. I'd personally blacklist him as someone to do business with just for
employing such a sleazy marketing technique.

Yeah, my question was very much rhetorical.

I have to ask, is the small chance that your site will rate a touch higher in
the search engines worth the huge dent to your credibility when you employ
sleaze ball tactics like this?

I am pretty sure that I am not the only one who refuses to do business with
anyone who publicizes this way.