I think the issue is that each nice list entry is a roll for the black party hat, but we don't get to see a roll happen.
I thought it would be that for each nice list entry, we would get a present with a slim chance of the black party hat, but instead that roll happens behind the scenes and it feel like we don't get a chance at all. It's more a perception issue.
Correct me if I'm wrong on how this works.
Unfortunately it is indeed a perception issue, players do get presents for each nice point but it happens when you deposit the letter as each letter deposited is 1 present so each nice point has already earned you 3 presents they are just given to you right away instead of at the end of the week.