Yeah, I've come across those groups too. The onboarding can be hit or miss depending on who's running them. Usually, getting in requires either a referral from an existing member or proving you've got a clean traffic source that isn't recycled Tier-1 junk. For LATAM and UAE specifically, they tend to vet harder because of fraud concerns.
On the partnership side - don't lead with "we want your traffic." That's the quickest way to get ignored. Instead, frame it around what you can solve for them. If you're bringing coupon or cashback traffic, show data on conversion lift, average order value, or repeat purchase rate for their vertical. Publishers with established feeds don't need another random affiliate, they need someone who understands their audience's buying triggers.
Map out how your traffic complements their existing inventory. If they already have a heavy display presence, your cashback angle fills a different funnel stage. If they're purely content-driven, coupon traffic can be a short-term boost but you'll need to show retention metrics to keep them interested.
Also, be prepared for a pilot period. No serious partner hands over access without a test. Offer to run a 30-day trial with capped spend and full transparency on sources. That builds trust faster than any deck ever will.
