I'm willing to find out ingame (unless this is common knowledge and you can share ) - are there any NPC merchants who sell ingots? I can post IC and ask as well (probably preferred method?)

Thanks,

They do exist, yes. But you're right that actually locating them should be done ICly

Found one! I know it might be an eye roll to some of the old hands here, but it is really cool to craft your own item (sword in this example), empower the thing and then write a neat description about it!

On a side question - do item loot drops always trump what can be crafted? I'm assuming so (based on some of the stuff I saw for sale) Even so, it's all good.

Yes, loot will trump crafted. The Job System was always meant as an addition to RP and an option for a little boost in XP and gold generation, not an actual replacement for running dungeons.