Importance of rankings?
It is still very important. Initially, clients may not focus on it but they eventually get quite demanding about it. And they are very important for any content driven website, products/services company or e-comm site.
Favourite Ranking Strategies?
Social Bookmarking + News aggregators and some blog writing (or Content Marketing). Besides direct XML submissions to SE's.
Elements to be covered in SEO site audit?
Responsive and Mobile optimisation, Website URL structure, Use of primary keyword in meta tags and content, site loading speed.
Your Dream Feature not present in current SEO tools?
Image ranking, Keyword ranking changes (current ranking vs older ranking), Heatmap in google analytics.