Nandini, glad that figured out our positions, i guess i can summarise that directory is still good for Link Exchange Program. I can say that as the result it is good for traffic and PR.
I agree with I, Brian and nandini that aeDirectory main shortcome is installation. For some time they had really weird installation instrcutions but they finally have detailed it and now there are more user-freindly installation instructions at their
support forum.
The other problem is need for compiling the file and i did talk to their techs about making this some way around and there is. They said soon they will provide one file and there will be no need in compiling.
Going back to discussion of what are benefits of having your own directory i beleive my points are still relevant and with help of Nandini, they are more clear now.