This is dated 2001, but says "recently added". This is also an interesting study on EQ.
Quote:
A completely transparent experience points system would be a fixed ratio schedule because you have a very
good grasp of how many more solo kills it takes to gain a level. Thus, if EverQuest exposed the underlying numerical
experience points and told you how many points a mob gave you, and how much more experience you need to gain a
level, it would be less effective as a reinforcement schedule. A system that can most effectively hint at progress without
sacrificing this opacity maximizes the random ratio schedule, and this is why the recently implemented blue macroview line in the experience bar enhances the schedule already in place. This is particularly true for mid-level players
who would get frustrated by the normal experience bar that moved too slowly, and thus made them feel that progress
was not being made.
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http://www.nickyee.com/report.pdf