Another item that I think is a big deal… Customization for top producing affiliates.
IMO, if a program has a stellar affiliate that is sending strong quality traffic, the affiliate support team needs to provide customized items for this affiliate. Perhaps special/exclusive banners, copy and other marketing tools… Even special payouts. Bottom line, just the willingness to provide whatever is necessary to make sure that affiliate has whatever he/she needs to continue on and have a successful run.
On another note, even just providing a plan of attack for new affiliates. For instance… if you are able to generate X amount of depositing players in a certain time frame, we will be able to provide you A,B,C to carry on and grow.
Although this is separate from payments, transparency& T’s & C’s, it does foster a trust factor that the program has the best interest for affiliate partners to grow and stay with the Operator.