How many recips = too many?

[LeRoy]

I used 20 on a site. I got rejected from http://sex-hot-sites.com/

The rejection e-mail was 20 recips is way too many recips.

I replied with "How may recips should I use?"

The reply email was " 16 should be the maximum."

Lately surfing other sites. I have found that 20 is the norm. I am assuming that the submissions are from "trusted submitters". It's like hey bro I'll let you slide..... .

[KG Gary]

I used to use 20 but now I keep it to 18, 16, 15 or 12.
I don't think I ever got rejected for using 20, but it always seemed like I was pushing my luck.
Plus, with different "shape" recip tables, (3x6, 3x5, 4x4), it encourages me to use different layouts and helps with the freshness of the freesite.
I think.