Why is it that no matter how much you try to love your MIL, nothing is ever good enough? She is always very distant. How can I bond with her? Any suggestions?

Well! They told the way to a man's heart (which was not required as they anyway we would have found) but forgot to tell the way to MIL's heart. Hence, it remains a mystery, as we don't know whether there is actually a way or not. :) Anyway, if you still feel like trying, then cook her favourite dishes, might help. But, one thing, I am sure all MIL's like is, pretending to be an amateur in front of her. Make her feel that she knows the best and you want to learn from her. Make her feel important. If she is this stubborn as you mentioned, straight talk may not impress her at all, and she may think you to be authoritative. So, be this coy, gentle girl who is ready to follow commands, rather loves her commands. If you are able to this little bit, I think your MIL 's heart should melt. :)