As long as the software provides a good result. In my experienced, I tried using article submitter and I find it useful. But sometimes manual working is more worth. Like what we are doing for now. Participating in forums really helps to gain quality link:D
Manual link building is the best. That way you can be sure that google won't penalize your web-site. Of course it takes much more time and work.. but it's the best.
I am Franky Lopes, a professional link builder. I am doing link building for my number of sites related to bingo, p0ker, cas1n0 and gambling. But I never use any software. However IBP & ARELIS is good.