This is in response to the original question.
We need to qualify this discussion with the proviso that the amplifier is biased with Vc ~ Vcc/2. This is done by making Rb ~ beta*RL (not a good biasing method if you want a predictable, stable operating point).
Next, let's make a couple of approximations and assumptions:
1. beta >> 1, therefore Ie ~ Ic
2. Rc >> RL where Rc is the dynamic collector resistance
With these approximations, the voltage gain (with zero source resistance) is approximately -RL/re, where re~0.026/Ie. Ie is dependent on beta. So, first we have to determine the emitter current:
*a bunch of equations boiling down to: (I can post these if anyone wants to see them)
Ie ~ Ic = (Vcc-Vbe)/(RL+RB/beta) where Vbe~0.7
Av=-RL/re, as previously stated
Solving for Av,
Av=-(VCC-Vbe)/(0.026*(1+(RB/(beta*RL)))
This yields low-frequency gain in the 45dB range for VCC=10V, and 100<beta<300.
This gives a voltage gain for zero source impedance. As has been pointed out, high level inputs yield high distortion, and zero impedance sources are not the norm. Nevertheless, if you have a 100uV signal, distortion may be tolerable, and 50 ohm sources are common, as are emitter followers, which can have output impedances in the tens of ohms. If the source impedance Rs is high, gain will be less than Rb/Rs.