Google is not as smart as you think it is..
All it is, is an algorithm, that changes and people and sites change with it..
You may want to say it's bull****, but look at this..
http://www.fiverr.com/dino_stark/build-an-eminent-backlink-pyramid-good-youtube-seo?funnel=201409021724580436656800This guy sold 30948 of these $5 services, that's $154,740 (At a minimum for clicking a button) $5 is the base service, a person can always buy the add-ons, in which I'm sure a percentage of those people did.
In his text he mentions "70000+ GIGS SOLD" which is probably different offers he has combined or roughly $350,000
Then this guy gets Great Reviews, repeat Buyers, etc (100% Overall rating) - Not one of those 30,948 people were unhappy.
In your head, you have this psychology, where you think they are "Low Quality Spammy Links", but in reality "Google doesn't see it the same way as you see it", because Google search crawls doesn't have the same an AI that comparable to your intelligence. It's like saying I have a forum profile on your site, and I have links in my signature, does that mean the links I use on your forum is "Low Quality Spammy Links"?
Once you get on a person's software list, you'll get hit everyday with it, I have before and I had to ban ranges of IP addresses or implement reCaptcha instead of silly ones that come with forum software.
Things happen by doing, taking action, and executing. You don't know what works or don't unless you try.