I personally suggest to use footprints for search sites from Google, as the sites are always changing, some sites live today may down tomorrow, that why you should keep the newest data in your records.
The forums, specially the high PR and Alexa sites, can generates traffics to your money site. If you can write great articles or start a discussing topic, it will also help build your brand fume.
I was using AMZ Affiliate before, but now shift to JVZ. Anyhow, I agree with James McAllister, there is no best solution, just find the one that fit your target and methods.