> But I think that 'так' does seem to mean 'very much' in some sentences:
> 'я так хотел бы с ним познакомиться'
Yes. "Так" has different meanings. From "word to catch attention" (like "hey!") to "much".
Interjections can be confusing. For example "мы еще не так сильны" means "we are not strong as much (as opponent/we want)". "not like, but more" changes to "not like, but less".