Good start. Two quick things. Dabble with the Css and add a thumbs Field.
{if $link.thumbs_url}<img src="{$link.thumbs_url|htmlspecialchars}" border="0">{/if}
Put that anywhere in the link display and you will get a nice screencap of the site. I find that increases clicks to the review.
I agree that LinkX is not as easy as some link list scripts. But I am a believe in "I want the power from day one." besides dropping $450 in Gossamer, LinkX is a good solution.