As someone who places links to my links/directory pages prominently, on every page, I completely agree.
Most of these directories are for the sole purpose of exchanging links, but many site owners try to mute/diminish any value they have to offer. Others take it a step further and have NO links, anywhere to the page where they list you or use robots or rel=”nofollow” tags to prevent the spider from hitting your site, use 302 redirects to try to steal your traffic or stick links inside an iframe to hide them from spiders. I don’t understand how those people even bother asking about exchanges…
When reviewing site submissions I look for and expect a clear path from the site’s homepage to where my link is located. I also expect the site owner to do nothing to diminish the value of the link. I offer as much and more, so don’t feel the least bit unreasonable rejecting crap submissions/exchange offers.