If I'm not mistaken, without membership you can only run event versions of current content. I believe the event versions do not drop the catalysts required for upgrading the helm.
That I'm not sure about. While running the WonderVerse content, here are some things to check, which should indicate if you are capable of getting the helm: 1. Do you get catalysts dropped? 2. Do you get Hephaestus' Steel dropped (required to level helm). I'm pretty sure (not %100) that you must either buy the DLC, or have legendary membership to be able to get the helm/requirements dropped. That's not to say, that, for example, if an OP piece is part of an episode that is available during "open episodes" that you will be unable to obtain it that way. Open episodes allows full access to the open content.
It's not something you farm from Athena, the damaged helm drops after you defeat her the first time. Then you need to farm the catalysts and steel required to repair it.
Imagine if it were that simple. Would be nice. But seeing as I've yet to even get a mother box to drop and I do bounties still and I had all bounty feats 10 days after DLC dropped says how my luck is in this game.
Yes, but the replays spent will be crazy. You don't have the cash to buy the op items out of the broker without legendary.
How was I supposed to draw the imaginary line from your off topic remark about open world bounties and the Mother Box to catalyst drops? The OP asked if the helm was something that could be farmed from Athena, it isn't. The OP already stated he doesn't have access to regular content so your smart comment about drop rates wasn't necessary.
Was going off the op' idea that the OP head drops from athena fully formed already(or the way you implied in your post I quoted) But went on to elaborate that chances are I wouldnt have it still due to my luck in this game over the years and compared it the mother box something else within this DLC.