1) Money is definitely not the case - docker is well capitalized. A special benefit of being in that situation is you don't have to do unnatural things like partner for money.
2) We welcome contributions from everyone, partners or not. Influence is gained by real contribution.
The reason we build partnerships is to ensure a few main things
#1 (and the biggest) Docker is made available on a wide variety of platforms, allowing developers and admins to work in native environments instead of fork-lifting to another just to try it out.
#2 Enable a network of services, products, systems integrator, IT vendors, etc. to have support, training, and other necessary things as they offer docker features in their products. This allows those who do not make containers and container services the core of their business, and instead focus on making/solving different problems.
I am more than happy to walk you or anyone else through partner strategy at any time. I'm easy to find.