I too wish there was a way to obtain the items in the game, even if it was just a RNG chance off the high level retainer quests like the gold paint or the Fat Cat minion (currently valued at 10 million gil on Lamia due to demand and rarity....) I know that SE is a business, and they're within their rights to try to make money any way they can, but things in game feel less special if they haven't been earned somehow, you know? I was thrilled when my botanist retainer returned with a Yeti minion, not because it was so valuable (3 million gil) but because of the value and rarity I was able to gift it to a friend for Christmas, making it all the more special for both of us.

The value of items in game comes not from their cost, RL cash or otherwise, but the experiences you have with them. The thrill of the red and green metallic paints wears off in about a day. But if I had done something to EARN them, I'd be able to enjoy the paint color for a lot longer.