Most people know about the fight between various people on the forums so I thought I'd give my two sense. Thanks to loudenkl for allowing me to use his definitions. Much better than my original ones. Earned - as in earned by completing an exotic bounty Bought - as in exchanged of a source of economic , such as strange coins or motes of light (regardless how these were obtained) Found - as in received as a 'reward' either by engaging in an exploration mode (chests) or by completing a certain objective (strike) or by initiating in armed combat against an enemy combatant. This is how I see it atleast. Tell me whatcha think. Non are really bad, just different ways to the same goal. Though you can't get all exotics from exotic bounties, so the earners would be limited.