I'm not sure but I can test the 50k item out. Maybe take out everything but it and see if I can HQ staves at a higher than never rate. I sort of question a +1 skill item that can be sold. In any case I'm sure they are useful for something and not just for show. So like, either +1 skill or lower loss rate or who knows, maybe a higher success rate but with HQs allowed, unlike the ring.