Speaking of grind and repeat, I think I've thought of a way to include Crafters in this discussion....since they seem to be being left out again. ;)

Empire Construction merchant.

His job basically is to buy unused Novians from players in exchange for these 'tokens' being discussed.
Obviously the trade amounts would have to be quite high and tier'd in some way but I think the idea is sound?

Crafters spend most of there time crafting peoples plots and don't often get the chance to do both in the same day....or week.
Some others don't like hunting but that shouldn't mean they don't get chance to partake in the goodies as without them there would be no Istaria.
I'm sure they wouldn't mind building stuff on there plots to knock down for novians and a chance of these 'epic items' you talk about?

It mite even encourage some of those on free accounts to sub up and buy a small plot to obtain crafting novians from?

I see this as win win but i'm sure i'll be told now. ;)