They need to just open it up for those of us who wish to subscribe to get it out the way and stop talking about it. Personally, I'm sitting on Crysta that I cannot use.

As for the items, you receive them via in-game mail or get a "voucher" that can be redeemed by talking to an NPC who sells that particular cosmetic. For example: There's a Merchant in Revenants Toll that exchanges Crusader Vouchers for a Black Swimsuit.