Should I engage in any "black hat" SEO strategies?

That's up to you. Just be sure you understand the risks you're taking by doing so. I have no problem with such strategies, as long as those employing them are open and honest about the potential consequences of such actions and you're on board.

If you can risk losing your domain name and don't mind starting over, then by all means, engage away. On the other hand if your URL and brand is important, then maybe the dark side isn't for you. This goes back to risk vs. reward.