Its pretty much this way :
within toa dragon items got improved and and all existing versions of that item renamed to old name of item.
Then within the mini dragon campain the random drops like Dragon Etched gloves n such were removed from gjalpinulva and added to the mini dragons. (around 2007)
http://camelot.allakhazam.com/db/search.html?cmob=3223 (here you can check for this items)
Within Patch 1.100 they added Dragon scales (around 2009):
http://camelotherald.wikia.com/wiki/Pat ... sion_1.100
A new alternate currency has been added to the game called Dragon Scales.
This currency drops from most humanoid and draconic monsters found within the Dartmoor, Malmohus and Sheeroe Hills.
These Scales can be bartered with the Order of Dragonslayers for treasure hoarded by the Dragons