ok, firstly, a lot of it is luck. Don't let it bother you if you don't get the immteraction you want. It doesn't necessarily mean you aren't deserving.

secondly, don't expect anything, because you set yourself up for disappointment. That's why when I made Lokrin (bounty hunter) I went for a role that could work even if I never got the immteraction I was hoping for. I got none from Zulg who was who I was hoping for (which is fine) but I got surprise immteraction from Intronon. However, I never got my last name even though many characters used it when speaking with me. But really, I had more fun with this character than any other.

Finally, imperials donating insane amounts. They can donate equipment, and it gets turned into a monetary equivalent. They don't actually have to collect all that much gold.