We already have other threads on this with more accurate numbers than you're reporting. I suggest you go read those (you might still not find the roulette worth it either way, but at least you won't be spreading incorrect information - because it's not a reward of "only 200 poetics". It's 300 for Castrum, 400 for praetorium.)

By the way, I was able to chat during every single cutscene that I tried.