Check these podcast out. I downloaded both of them recently and listened to them while driving. Both have some very enlightening information from 2 of Google's best programmers... Vanessa Fox and Amanda Camp.
I forget which one touches on the 301 redirects, but one of these ladies actually stated that 301's are good if you are seeking permanent redirection.
http://www.marketingspeak.com/audio/...-interview.mp3
http://www.marketingspeak.com/audio/...-interview.mp3
Enjoy!