I just finally finished the Malfeasance quest. During which I saw the meatball about 3 times. My buddy was with me when I did it and the last appearance was yesterday so he got to get the quest. Yeah, I know this isn't what you were asking for but I can empathize somewhat. I think it's better to play the mode as is and when it drops it drops. When you are trying to get it to show I feel you tend to be more sensitive to its absence. On a side note: I believe it only showed up for me during the two different weeks that Shattered Throne was available. If that's the case then maybe narrow your gambit playtime to the Shattered Throne week.