QS: the problem you are having is that you must be offering only one-sided deals, whether beneficial for you or for them. With FD, you have to offer a two sided deal, so even if you ask for their entire empire, protectorate, massive tribute and information and whatever, but offer even just 100 mnai in single payment, the AI will accept it. The same goes for when you are giving them something, just ask for the minimum amount of mnai and they will take it. The FD does not allow straight "gifts" in the technical sense of the diplomacy function. Hope that helps.

Chairman