A few links for those that really want to learn how Google ranks pages instead of guessing:
The basics of page rank
Facts and Fiction (Read this carefully)
Follow these and you will get good rankings
Google shows their love for SEOs
Googles Founders Original Paper on a SE
This last link also includes the basis for the pagerank calculation
If you take the time to read what is at these links and Do Not insert your own assumptions based on what you read on boards (in other words - Just the Facts for your decisions) you ought to be able to make web pages that consistently do well and increase your overall income (or enjoyment if you're just in it for a hobby).