That depends on how you look at it, really. RNG is in many ways the MOST fair you can possibly get in a game of this type, that's why it's so often used.
Comparitively, wouldn't the most fair you could be for this quest would be a 'Get highest ranking in 30 FATE's in this region. Then talk to this person to get the atma they hold.'

Most fair would be each person doing the same type of content goal like the above that has a set amount required. With no set amount...a person getting it in one FATE versus 100 FATEs...random =/= fair.