A guildmate told me that if a basic member is in the crew, the chance of a loot skull chest drop decreases. I think drops are totally random. Membership has nothing to do with it. The search for famed weapons and the sword of El Patron has given birth to a large number of silly rumors.
Use only sword and low level skills.
Do not use voodoo.
Use bladestorm followed by vipers nest.
Use a low level skill to finish the target.
A large crew is best.
Working alone is best.
I find this latest one about basic members influencing drop rates elitist and offensive.
Have you come across an absurd rumor?