Here's a thought, some will think this is stupid but I am good with that
NO recips at all!
Freesite submitters are way way down, at least those that put an effort into them. Maybe this will boost the amount of submits since they will be just a bit easier to put together, plus they can submit them to all those lists that will accept a clean freesite without making duplicates, mirrors and such.
In the beginning this may only be a few lists but could turn into a lot in time. If a lot of lists are pointing to a freesite built with a good amount of text and minimal links out, limited to 4, then maybe freesites will start showing up in the se's creating more freesite sales.
Simply put, more freesite sales would make people WANT to build more freesites and better freesites.
I remember when linklists use to list a large amount of sites while rejecting a lot every day. Who knows, maybe it could return back to that.
The worst thing that could happen is your list does no better in the engines but you at least have more listing for the surfers you do have. This keeps them on your site longer and makes them happier and a happy surfer comes back another day.
Just a thought and feel free to think it's foolish.