I agree that you have to find and work with the right people. I am a small fry in this game, but there are several programs that work well for me. I know one is not one that pacificsun likes, but Lloyd from Brightshare has always worked very hard for me. I am just starting to deal with Revenue Giants and Roo is very responsive as well.
There are other programs (nameless) that I could email 5 times and get a response after 2-3 weeks. They are removed from my suite of sites. And I am all the better for it.
Good luck and choose those that are willing to support your efforts!