I was able to figure out or work around my initial problems. Now I have a question regarding something that might be a bit more difficult to work with.
First thing is the influence system. Is there any way to tweak the amount gained per event?
Second thing... and answer to this is probably no, but I just thought I would ask. Any way to add requirements to certain influence events? For example Handmaiden and Visas argument. As it is now, it's very easy for handmaiden to stop talking to you really early in the game simply by talking to Visas. Right now the requirement is having greater influence with Visas but is there any way to add something more to this? Such as being a certain level, completed certain planets, etc?