EQ is a very raw, unrefined game. Levels 5-10 for some classes in some situations is harder than levels 30-35, 35-40, 40-45, etc (partially because some classes aren't developed at all until their teens, Shamans really aren't fleshed out as a class at all until 24...).
I leveled once every 1 or two hours depending how focused I was in my 30s straight through 51 on my wizard. My necro was a very consistent one level per hour except for hell levels, even in his 40s (51-60 changes this paradigm, although 51/52/53 are really easy compared to 54+).
But there are some levels where my wizard took 4-5 hours - even in the 20s (because level 20 doesn't bring a new, more efficient nuke for wizards - crappy ability design from the start).
A big part is the knowledge gap. Some places are simply easier to level at for specific classes, and you have to know ZEMs (as has been mentioned), etc. Blackburrow is fantastic - I argue BB gnoll teeth + diseased pelt quests are better than Crushbone, but Crushbone always has a soft spot in my heart because it's where I cut my teeth (first dungeon I ever entered). Both are great locations.
Some levels are simply a slog to grind through - some are awesome and a breeze. But that's EQ
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