Flames and Pets [Reboot]

Just wondering how do people usually get or where to buy flames besides event shops? I've been only getting them through bossing and yellow/inferno portal bags.

Also. during boss parties (particularly Hbosses) do you completely turn off item pouch skill and turn it back on when drops are decided among the party or is there a way to ignore drops and just for pets to collect instanced drops

Thank you!