This is probably a dumb question, but would a rare item be different if it dropped, then the leader left, before the rare was picked up?
no, cuz the drop is based on the team leader, when it is dropped it is set, i have learned that many a time
IIRC The leaders ID is the drop chart, But if the leader leaves The new leaders ID will not be Loaded until you load a new area (ruins1-ruins2)
Ahh, I see. Thanks. It just sort of struck me while I was in uni this morning, but I forgot to ask then.
Np, glad you could understand my answer

I was actually wondering about this to... now I know better!
Hooray for teamwork! This will hopefully come in handy for when I make it to online. Thanks!