honestly they're affiliate managers because they don't know how to make money doing what you do. So don't rely on them for that. Payout increases, help getting pixels placed for tracking are two good things AM's can help you with. Also be your liaison between you and the advertiser to let you know your traffic is working for them and keep you up to date with what's going on. Unfortunately some AM's give wrong information on more then a few occasions I've heard guys being told "your traffic is great can you send more?" then 2 days later the advertiser isn't going to pay because the traffic is no good.
Just remember at most companies the AM's are just sales people they hire pretty girls and young energetic people to sel sell sell. All they care about is getting your volume up. When you've been around this game for a while you stop answering your phone when you don't know the number because you know it's an AM trying to push something on you.
Keep in mind as you move up the ladder your AM's usually get better. Or you'll get sick of the guy/girl that knows nothing and ask to be moved.
Just my 2 cents.