The OP seemed to credit the number and quality of the backlinks gained as opposed to a SEO strategy per se. I understand that SEO is vitally important, but for

The OP seemed to credit the number and quality of the backlinks gained as opposed to a SEO strategy per se. I understand that SEO is vitally important, but for getting high quality backlinks (which in turn generate a more back links) you'll always have to go though, and please, gatekeepers.