I think what you did for Christmas was great, but the 1/9000 drop rate was maybe a slight bit low.
I choose #2 and the reasons why are as follows:
a- The staff need a bit of a break after the holiday. None of us want to wear you out and even though you are all very modest and did a very good job, I think we should not try to burn anyone out either. Option 1 will require a lot of time and effort, just to make sure nobody is complaining for a gift after..
b- Quests are a 1 time thing, everyone will do it once for the gift and then it is over. The fun does not continue over the 3 days, and neither would the excitement of grinding and randomly getting rare drops. This will not increase general player count or play time, or at least VERY modestly compared to drops being available across 3 days.
c- In drop form, everyone should theoretically have an equal chance to get items. Whereas with a quest, new players will be excluded. If new players aren't necessarily excluded, then that would mean your requirements are easy enough to build 10 accounts for anyway, totally defeating the purpose.
Multi-logging is legal, and practically unavoidable with all the technology available.
Why is it now after we've been given the gift of android compatibility that everyone is obligated to conform? Aren't you just happy to be able to play?? That's like a homeless guy getting a sandwich and turning around and getting angry because everyone else is eating 3. Instead of complaining, if you want more sandwiches, buy them!
If you're gonna complain that dedicated players (most of which paid our machines 2-5X that of a phone), have more chance of getting rares, you might as well complain that we have more chance at HnS, Pking, collecting resources, etc, etc... Which has never been an issue until we were so lucky to have the chance to enjoy this great place on our phones.
I just want to state that I do not believe any of this to be fact, only my educated opinion and I hope it will be accepted in a positive manner.
Thank you for reading my story and keep up the great work guys, you have built an awesome place for us RSC nerds. <3
(P.S. Very excited about the 2nd double XP, thanks so much guys!)