Another thing a lot of new players do not know is that if you join a party and actually help IN ANY WAY to help defeat the target, you can evenly lot on any items that drop from the target. That is in rules for the game. It is only trust and hoping people are not greedy savages to allow them to join your group and NOT lot on any items that drop. Having had a previous linkshell member in same situation.
1] They joined a mercenary group for a run.
2] They went as BLM and cast ONE spell that Magic Burst for damage, plus a few others when told.
3] When items filled pool they cast lot on one item that someone else said they wanted and no one else could lot on (and that person did zero for fight other than fill party slot).
4] When party leader (other person's ls mate & friend) said they could not lot on it or they would be kicked them from party, my acquaintance said that's against the game rules and IS allowed to lot on it.
5] Party leader booted them out. He called GM on this. Luckily GM showed up within minutes, read event logs, and removed lotted item from other person, suspended party leader for 72hrs. Sadly they are not allowed to give the item to another person (my acquaintance) even though they would have won it, but that they'd have to fight another target for it and hope to trust in others to let him have it, or form his own party next time.
6] So, join a merc party, lot on item, and don't pay, as long as you help out in ANY way (even cast one Dia spell lol), you can lot. They don't like that no pay thing? Too bad, have them learn the game rules, and then do it to help others to enjoy game, not uselessly fill their gilpockets and make it harder for players to enjoy.