My view is that as long as goolgle still accept the baclink from them then yes they will. As soon as they dont i reckon although site will still submit there will e a decline in popularity, epecially for paid submisions.
though there was talk at one stage of google making the decision to not accept directory links i dont beleive that will ever happen.
As it is a good way to get backlinks i dont think they will ever loose populariy.

Google will lead the way!

I would say they own that hiway.. They may stop the traffic or make it a toll road etc.

Bid Borther Google will decide and let us know, when he feel like it.

check matt's blog now and then.

I think that the directory market still has to mature (a process that has already started) ... once it has there will be fewer, higher quality, more established market leaders and the rest will trail in their wake...