Finding Rare Items?

[Dabrasco]

Are the chances of finding rare items reduced if a character is wearing and using rare weapons/items? Is it easier to find stuff on Normal or Hard level.

The reason I ask this is since I started playing on Ultimate Level "very rarely" do I find animal parts or rare weapons. Its very frustrating. I used to find them on a semi-frequent basis. I was really excited about finally playing on challenging new level. I love the new creatures and the enhanced environments. I really do. But, so far I have been dissapppointed with the lack of new weapons and rewards. I have even started to wonder about continuing to play. :|

I have poured through the various PSO sites looking at all the magnificent rare items. Perhaps my expectations were too high. I found better stuff on V. Hard.