You are the man. That was a
great post!!! Your post is #26 for quick reference.
I started this in early September, 2010, and had hoped for an easy transition with google local. I fell for it. The reality? Hard as crap and the only way to deal with it is through consistent, daily work just like you said. And non-competitive keywords which I didn't do.
My next venture starts next week...no google local. And I will follow the same basic gameplan you outlined. I wasn't gonna write that many articles but after I read your post and thought about it, that method is rock solid.
Thanks for the direction.
Steve