Should we expect to succeed in searches for other intelligent creatures in the Milky Way Galaxy?

Objectives:
 

(1) How many civilizations exist?

(2) How long, on the average, do they persist?

(3) How eager are they to meet with us or talk to us?

(4) How does communication proceed?

Keep in mind that we have only had the ability to communicate between the stars (by radio) for a short time compared to the age of the Galaxy, so IF other civilizations exist, they are likely to be more advanced than us.