This is a great thread – naturally most AMs will spend the majority of their time with their big affiliates as they bring a larger proportion of the players.
I am sure every AM would agree with me that it’s more rewarding to see a once small affiliate in the top tier of affiliates than a big one who has always been there doing well 
You get out what you put in – simple. Spend the time with the so-called small affiliates and they will collectively grow to be just as important as the big ones
Having said that, (and as said above), this is a 2-way street – affiliates needs to communicate with AMs too