Not really. There are only few directories that are still okay for SEO but better to spend your money building other types of links IMO

Yeah I think that so. Don't depend on directory only you should go for other types of links for SEO.

So which are you asking? The topic is very much different than your actual question...

Yes, you need to have links. No, directories are probably not that good. The actual category page where your backlink is might not have much link juice, and it's diluted by other links on the same page.

No,it is not necessary to get paid links.Do natural work.

According to me paid links are not so effective.