This is definitely an improvement - although not perfect (which would be allowing us to drop items to the pool...) - people also might just stockpile their own tickets for future use / other pieces... semi-defeating the purpose. But it is an improvement.

As far as Heavy Metal Plates go - I'm all for making them easier to get, more common, or lowering the amount needed - but I'm a tad bit against having them buyable with tickets - just because it would really defeat the purpose of helping friends get items... That's my "nice" side talking...

My greedy side says "screw everyone if I can turn tickets into a Lv. 95 or 99 empyrean..."