I've mentioned by intense dislike of reciprocal link spammers in the past.
Don't get me wrong - I can understand that people want to build links to their blogs and sites, but a little thought and effort will get you a lot further than a bunch of automated spams.
Darren Rowse provides a nice list of tips for asking bloggers for links.
Although he is writing from a blogger's perspective I would strongly believe that the same logic could be applied to any link request.

Can I have a link? I'll give you a free tcal badge if you say yes.
i left out the ;)
Danger - and will you give me a link in return? :)
See thats why I offered the badge, cause I know without a blogroll we're never going to be too reciprocal.It's a cool badge. You could wear it at Christmas. I notice your smilies are introducing a page return, quick glance at your source, maybe try putting
.wp-smiley {
display:inline;
}
into the css for the theme - A guess, but it might work. :)
Danger - I may look at the css when I get energy - currently waiting for my food to cook :)
So you want a one way link in return for which I get a badge? Do you have photos of this badge? :)
You have to trust me. Probably the biggest risk of your life.
"I’ve mentioned by intense dislike"
Have you got a cold Michele? Arf arf.