I think that the only thing that is keeping you from getting the reps you want is your lack of patience. I found that PMing sellers, even though their item sold to someone else, and letting them know that you were bummed that you missed out on it can go a long way towards their letting you know directly the next time they have something else FS.
Close to half of the reps I've sold I didn't even have to list. When I've posted a new rep purchase or finished a project, I usually end up getting 5 or 6 PM's asking me to keep them in mind if I ever decide to sell. This has a networking effect as well. I may not have something at the moment FS, but I know somebody that does, so I put them in touch with the potential buyer that had PM'd me earlier.
The key in this hobby is to get the word out, form friendships with members with similar tastes in watches... acceptance has more to do with attitude, not join dates or the number of posts.
There is no real hierarchy here. That's only the perception of those not willing to put in the effort to make a real contribution to the community. Make that effort and all of the doors will open. Trust me, all of us, at some point, have had to wait in line.