.... We actually did get click-bombed earlier in the year and were banned by AdSense for a month or two.  I had to reapply and explain that I wasn't doing anything to make my earnings explode.  They invalidated our earnings for a few months then let us start over.  ....

I think you're the first person I've heard of who's been unbanned from AdSense. Did you sign up with the same SSN/FEIN or use a different one?

we just switched our google adsense layout and who gets to see them. They are more in the actual content now, but should only show for people arriving via search engines, not anyone with our site book marked. Our CPC seems to be up, but I think thats because we had only skyscrapers before, now we have leaderboards and boxes.

How do you enable for just search engine users?

Also, when you say "they are more in the actual content" do you mean embedded within each individual post? If so, do you or anyone have recommendations on the best way to go about doing that?

For what it is worth, I had a spike on July 30th, but otherwise no increase. 

Same thing here....no real increase that I've noticed.

We actually did get click-bombed earlier in the year and were banned by AdSense for a month or two.  I had to reapply and explain that I wasn't doing anything to make my earnings explode.  They invalidated our earnings for a few months then let us start over.  Our earnings just jumped again in July so I hope that the same thing isn't happening again.  I did just get a payout last week so I am hoping that things are legit this time.  Google isn't very sympathetic when they think you're gaming the system!