I think one or two links from well run niche specific directories would be alright but to get loads of links from directories (akin to article marketing in the old days) would be likely harmful

Agree with the above - several links from niche-relevant directories may be useful (still not considered as a quality link by Google), but don`t take it as a primary link-building tactic - that`d be a waste of time. Just go for 2-5 most prominent directories that are likely to appear high on search results for topically relevant keywords, and make the most use of them.

They are not worth a dang.

If you have one or two it may not hurt your site so long as the anchor text is just click here or the naked url etc.

But, as a link source, they are garbage.

Yes, Still now directory submission still a valid practice for link building. You can use white hat method. Not now spam any kind of directory link.

yes, they are still useful but not submit in bulk, otherwise it would be harmful. One or two backlinks in your relevent category is right.

Just think, if directory submission link is a band so those sites we are not found in Search Engine. It still valid practice for link building. We just need to submit is to using white hat method.

Yes, It is still a valid practice if you're doing it with white hat techniques and on the niche related to your website. Don't submit in bulk or use bulk submission tool. Submit your links manually.