While I've occasionally thought in the past that Mentor Roulette should grant rewards based on Commendations, I've since reconsidered, for the simple fact that far, FAR too many people simply commend the tank by reflex. That works great for me, since I usually Tank for Mentor Roulette, but there are mentors - GOOD mentors - who play other roles, as well.

It should be noted, by the way, that the Tomestone rewards from Mentor Roulette are pitiful. It is unlikely that someone is slapping on Mentor status simply for an extra 30 Esos and 10 Lore. No, the reward that has mentors-in-name-only abusing the system is the two-seater Pegasus mount reward. It was very unfortunate that that was added in this way, as it brought flocks of less-than-helpful Mentors into the mix.

That said, simply because a Mentor is quiet does not indicate that they are one of these. A mentor does not have to be proactive to be a good mentor - and, in fact, many new players APPRECIATE that a Mentor doesn't spell everything out for them ahead of time. When a run is going smoothly, there's no need for a Mentor to say a word (though a friendly greeting at the start of the run and a farewell at the end does help to promote a more positive community atmosphere). If players ask for help, a Mentor should provide it. If a player mentions they're new it could be taken as an indirect way of asking for advice, but it's not a bad idea to ask them if they actually want it before giving it.