When I look at http://aoc.is-better-than.tv/armory.php?s=33 it's ALL bind on pick up. I think I remember some pets not being bind on equip at some point though?
It's not "wishful" thinking about the names. Like I said, IF the name is taken by a char that is NOT lvl 80 and has NOT logged in for a long time, the GMs will give you your name back. If those toons are 80 though it will for sure be harder but it's not impossible either if they haven't logged in for a long time. I have done it, plenty of others have. Both after transferring toons and after server merges.
With the Windows AoC Chat Client you can see for how long they haven't logged in and whether they are 80 or not by adding them as friends