Federation Association Status not giving bonuses

[uselysses]

I tried to play diplomatic, but a couple of other alien races beat me to the clock and formed the first federation. I don't want to try and create another one and risk a federation war, so I'm trying to enter as a member despite not being neighbour of any of the members (both Erudite Explorers AI).
Fortunately as soon as the federation was formed I was able to join as an Associate, but was unable to jump to "Member".

I read on the official wiki and similar sources that being a federation associate gives you a +100 diplomatic boost when trying to join a federation ("+100 Already Federation Associate"), but even if I AM an associate this bonus is not showing. I have:

-50 base value
+21 opinion
-3 relative power of empires
-26 distance

I would expect an entry like:
+100 Already Federation Associate.

Trust capped at 150.

So I'm stuck at -58 (-76 for the other race) and even if I could manage a +10 opinion by having a +100 favorable trade deal I would be still under the necessary threshold.

Is the +100 diplomatic bonus only appliable when YOU are inviting someone else? Is this situation unsolvable?

Thank you in advance for your insights.

[IPWIW]

"AI Empires may accept a federation membership invitation if their acceptance score is above zero."
so yeah,not sure about joining

[uselysses]

I updated the question, however yes, it seems that the situation is not nice for joining. Maybe if I manage to sneak near them I would have a chance, but not sure.

[Azunai]

if you have influence to spare, you may be able to remove the distance penalty by building a frontier outpost near them (assuming there is a suitable unclaimed system near them).

i guess having shared rivals could also help (if they do have rivals) and they would be more likely to invite you if some 3rd party becomes a threat to both of you. but that's outside your control.

[Irushian]

Could also try to raise their opinion by giving them some stuff you don't need.

[EleventhStar]

try asking different members for a invite to join. i've had it where some won't accept me and others do, and apparently it just takes the one guy to like you or something.

[uselysses]

Thank you all,

All your suggestions worked: a while after the OP one of the 2 empires (the most distant and less likely to accept) changed ethics towards mine, at which point the conjuncion of:

* outpost near their borders
* rivalry on their only rival
* a massive tribute via trade deal

let me in. I didn't know that the outposts counted as actual empire borders, but it actually makes sense.

I also read somewhere that all members should be positive about the joining of a new member, but it seemed to not be the case so, again, this may only be needed when it is you inviting another empire.