I don’t think so the game is few weeks old already and I know not one person who got anything, not even those spending almost all day ingame. One time I met a guy in a dungeon, but that’s it (I am seriously not sure if I would wear those wings, they are not sooo errr pretty and neither I desire cat-ears … the pet is cool tho).
So yea, the droprate could sure be bit higher so those who are collectors can at least find them on the market.
As for restrictions for new players, at first I didn’t think that to be a good idea… if anything, then there should be a BIG RED WARNING that the drop looses trade-ability when being put on. If someone is new to the game he might need the real high dram sums veterans pay for that stuff, it gives him huge advantages to catch-up on the endgame content.
What makes me worry a bit, though, is the question “although what does money get us…” … well it saves you hours of fishing and farming IF you arrive at the endgame where potions are needed. If not, nvm, it is of not much use; and thinking that over I think getting it at level 20+ or even 30+ is not the worst idea, simply because people likely put it on for decoration who got no clue yet of its worth for their later game.