Actually, getting into DMOZ has been a lottery for some years now. It's well worth trying to get in, but really, it isn't something to obsess over...
I doubt it'll get you penalised. It might be that you won't get credit for the link, but I can't see Goofle penalising you if you're a good site....
It's from their stats host, if it's from anywhere and this isn't some scam or muddle. BB
Do a search for Sherman Hu, read what he has to say on the subject. He has a certain reputation. BB
I'd think myself it's just someone naieve... BB
See? It's not just me :-) BB
Yeah, this is what I do and it seems to work ok, I don't have indexing problems. BB
What it really is, it's FRANKENSEARCH! It's out of control, the usual ordered calm of the Googleplex is shattered with white-coated scientists...
If Hugh Hefner, Bob Guccione and, um, oh I dunno, Traci Lords, went on national tv tomorrow wearing t-shirts (a wet one for Traci, I think!)...
I'd be interested to see your definition of the Sandbox. I suspect you're confused with mere indexing. BB
Any multinational, any site from someone famous in their niche, has to be highly visible in Google. If it can't be quickly found, searchers...
This might mean that your traffic is now in some way targetted to a greater degree than previously. BB
Much of what Google says is for amusement. Theirs. BB
Separate names with a comma.