Are there actually people who become so lonely and desperate that they seek emotional gratification via a fictional anime character?  If so have any of you known people who were into that kind of thing.  Also if you're genuinely into this I would appreciate if you would describe why you get emotional gratification from it. 

Are there actually people who become so lonely and desperate that they seek emotional gratification via a fictional anime character?

To answer this question, no. None of us are desperate.

I would appreciate if you would describe why you get emotional gratification from it.

I happen to not be attracted to people but I do actually like anime girls. So, just like any normal person, if I see a girl I like I want to get to know her. Buy her dinner, walk through the park, ect.