Methinks you're more on target in relations to the footprint Big Oil leaves in relation to their 'friendliness' and 'relatability.
These folks are leasing land that has been in their family for generations. Larry, like Keith, understands this.
With Big Oil, they fly in with their helicopters, where as with Larry (and Keith) they drive up in the same kinda rides as everybody else in town.
Money is great, but means nothing without the respect being given. No one likes to be looked down on, no matter what the price is.