I know the standard answer of email all the sites but,

I dont like my chances of even getting any delisted..
Have around 260 links with about 60% of them junk.
Some links are from sig links on forums that I actually legitimately post to and from real comments I have made on the web over the years. Should all of these go?

Was thinking of hiring a freelancer to do this or maybe going through an online tool if anyone has any suggestions?

An example is this http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Era-of-Digital-Signage&id=6236852

Edit:  Well I got a reply from ezine and from goarticles! They are removing the articles, maybe its becoming a headache for them all as,

Sorry, GoArticles.com is no longer accepting new article submissions or account signups. We wish this wasn't the end, but unfortunately, it is and we aren't able to continue. You can download a backup copy of all of your submissions by logging into your existing account so that you can re-use your content on your own website or other competitor sites. Thank you for being a member and we're sorry that this site will be coming to an end shortly.