If your content is useful and your site is listed in DMOZ, i am sure your will get a good ranking on google search.
I think so, there seems more backlinks including nofollow backlinks in Google webmaster Tool
put the 338*300 ad to the top of your content is more better, trust me
why don't you put a google link strip under the menu bar?
an link AD under the search form. 728*90 AD at the begining of your content.
Separate names with a comma.