Have you ever used syndicated articles in your website or Blog? And SERIOUSLY this is not spam.

I have a site in a very specific health niche that I frequently post syndicated content to and Google loves it. I do write many unique articles for the site but the syndicated articles are extremely relevant and important for the readers to know about.

It can work but it has to be mixed in with unique content and it definitely has to enhance the value to the readers.

Spun articles are better than straight duplicates.
A lot of people think that articles were "de-valued" post Google Panda update.

What I would say is that the fact these sites lost rank themselves (ezine articles et al lost rank) does not necessarily mean the links they give are de-valued.

The other thing is that even if they are de-valued, de-valued is not the same as zero value.

Another point is that a lot of sites propped up with articles and other low grade linking lost their positions after Google Panda, so, a lot of people then posted about how "article links were worthless now"... my take on that... no one ever wants to admit their sites are a worthless pile of crap.

I have decent sites propped up with this kind of stuff and they still hold rank. If you pay attention to "quality metrics" such as bounce rate, time on site etc... build half decent sites this stuff still works.

If your plan is to prop up a thin junk site with these links you will struggle.