In reality if it's your debate this is dishonest as it gives one individual an edge over another, stop building web sites because there are a good deal of firms out there that do not have a domain. By even considering what effect your actions have on your SERPs you are violating Google’s axioms.
Com ‘s first definition for “unethical” is founded upon “approved standards”.
Why do folks in this industry decide to set their “moral compasses” by a corporation's guiding principles? Google sets these rules as it means that it is easier for them to supply search results superior to their competitors’ ; they do not want to be forced to use resources on excluding sites that game their algo. I like Google, they've an amazing product and they're one of those corporations that I find simple to appreciate, but I definitely do not believe they made those axioms in an effort to create this ideal web where everything is “fair” ; they did not and never claimed to. Google has a cash monster and her name is AdSense / AdWords. I haven't any van with somebody desiring to get their pages placed in the #1 or 2 spot from a search, but page ranking has zilch to do with that at all and I will assure the reader that I'm able to prove this to anybody who has a PC. In reality if you'll just try a search for “writing critic” you'll find Search Engine Optimisation close to the top and since I own that site, I am able to explain to everybody how it became there and why.
The leftover unanswered query is, “Who decides what's ‘unethical ‘, who sets ‘the standard ‘?” You and I as net execs do.