[Sulkano]

The numbers are probably correct I'm afraid. The only thing you can do differently is to parley with with npcs that give the presence you need so you dont have to depend only on gear....or you can buy stuff in the exchange. I know its frustrating, but I think these quests were designed for folks who have 'put in thier time' in diplomacy to get rewards (though its especially frustrating when you can get tier 2 gear from turn-ins thats better than the rewards, but thats a story for another thread, heh).