::::Over-linking does "swamp" (devalue if you prefer) the high-value links. The standard linking colour (blue) also causes disruption when reading text that contains too many links. A subjective decision does have to be made sooner than later regarding what to link, or you risk reaching the point where too many links are introduced. (Or do you believe that readers can also make "their own rational or personal choices" about what to click in the previous sentence?) In the case being discussed, it's easy for someone (whilst reading about French wines) to enter the word "France" in the search box, and then to click the Go button; however the "France" article adds little to the topics covered in an article on French wines. Relevant regions?—yes; grape varieties?—yes; esoteric production terms?—yes; but "France"—no. Here's a broad rule-of-thumb: link deeper often, sideways sometimes, upwards hardly. (It's interesting that "French" got mentioned, because the French WP contains some of the most hideously over-linked articles imaginable. We should avoid joining them.)  .