I'd like to see new content released whenever its possible, but have the option to return the hearts. This way I feel if more people are playing we are sure all the bugs ( droprates and whatever ) are getting discovered and or buffed/nerfed builds, to make sure there's no crazy things in a fresh new ladder. I'd have to agree with Tears that 3.5k is kinda low tho, when the shit was still hot a skull/pearl were going like 1K -1.5k each easily, that being said I think 5K ~ would be more fair.
This option should keep the players thats farmed a Heart satisfied or at least give them a choice if they wanna explore the danger or simply convert it to gold, it also lets new players see a more active server.