Unfortunately, I didn't have anyone new to bring to the game and with that, I never looked at my friend codes. I never used them, nor did I scratch them off to reveal them. With the information now that those codes gave the players Mercenary Sets, I don't think this was handled the best of ways. There are players that have played since launch, including me, who have wanted to the Mercenary Set, but were not able to obtain one for whatever reason that may be. Now with this event giving the new players the set, it's almost disheartening. I understand that it's just a cosmetic change, but it's something that I care about. I'm sure there are those who feel the same way.
I'm still willing to wait for the more content, more Pirate Legend content, and the chance to join the Pioneers when the opportunity arises, but I wish I had known about the codes giving the set prior to the event ending.