Rare to unique forging rates are more than adequate during events, I don't understand the complaints in this regards.
Sure, for ancient it's advised to use preservation stones, but you get them from levelling up, buying in-game or through IM.
Enhancing is a different matter, since pres stones are mandatory, but you should save that for near endgame anyway, and is perfectly doable without investing cash.

Assuming you have patience and do some effort.
I also don't understand complaints about drop rates, they are much better than iRBF. Like seriously.

Even so, you can always equip exp/crone boost rings when handing in quests for just that little extra.

Is it completely cash free? No it's not, but I can live with it.