Ah, well. That does align with what I was told, somewhat. Their gift-giving seems to be regulated by those higher up in the pecking order.

[He purses his lips a moment, seeming to ponder.]

So no, I doubt you could've outright bargained for better treatment. But Cosmopolitan in particular seems to like to talk. Find a topic that intrigues them and you should be able to tempt them with it.