Do you still use Adwords?

I sold my product using Adwords. I used a long sales letter and strong emotional words. It was not IM related or get rich quick stuff, but it was an info product. After 2 years of promoting the same product, they slapped me. I did everything (change domain etc which they say to do to avoid google slap. I even used a certified adwords consultant.), but did not work. So I gave up, and stopped using Adowords. So I learned SEO and after the hard work the traffic came back.

Now, I'm almost ready for my new product launch. I will do SEO, but I need to get traffic to test in the beginning. So, I asked on the copywriting forum if I should make my copy (make less long, less emotional words etc) and sales page (more links, content etc) for Google(Adwords) to be OK with, even it probably will reduce the conversion rate. I got several answers, which are mostly, no. I was told to make a copy to sell, and don't let the ad source to decide your copy. Instead, forget about adwords and use other paid traffic sources. But I don't hear much about using other ad sources than Adwords...

So, I am wondering what other people are doing. Do you still use Adwords to get traffic? Trying to find the way to get good quality score and not to get slapped and everything? Or do you use Adwords alternatives(other ppc companies?)? Other ad sources?

Or do you just do "physical" work (article writing, SEO, blogging etc) to promte your product(s)?

Thanks for your time and input(s).