Help! I'm stuck on Batuu mission

I found it didn't work till they changed from 'aquaintence' to 'friend' in the Relationship Bar (the green bar was about half full if I remember correctly, you'll know you have moved from aquaintance to friend if you click on the 2 tiny smiley faces at the bottom of the relationship bar). I kept talking to them - a little bribery helped too. the ones who didn't take a bribe also didn't want to do the job (but it's not like i talked to everyone, some of them might have agreed eventually). I mainly asked Scoundrels. I also talked to a citizen, don't remember if she agreed.

Next time I play, I'll make a point to talk to more folks in game, in case I need friends again. that'll save time.

edited to clarify the relationship bar status - hope I explained it clearly