Yes I already notices many big names going up and down on G ranks. I think its about time people started using the right kind of content with the right kind of links or see all efforts thrown down the rabbit hole...
Abandoning use of automated link building software and concentrating on learning...
I won't really do this if i didn't know what I was doing, atleast not without doing proper studies and reading a lot of tutorials and case studies available by utilizing the thing called "google search"
Dude are you a real human? These terms can be easily answered by a quick search on google or even a search through previous resources on this site ...
But anyways... black hat seo is undertaking mal practices to carry out your seo goals....but in reality all seo is black hat seo anyway ...
Cloaking can refer to many sub terms and practices. Like what easyarticles said above or it can be cloaking affiliate links via redirecting through another domain etc...
Also gone are the days of seo companies :P
Most of the jobs can be handled by hiring VA's or refering to micro job sites like seoclerks or fiverr instead of paying loads of cash to seo companies ;)