Hey, maybe you should try EQ-Heroes, currently its in alpha stage and not on the login server yet but on its own login server.
The xp rate is normal and leveling faster all depends on your gear, as named mobs drop various better then live gear as Legendary/fabled/Mythical equipment. All in all it wont give the feeling that it all moves to fast while being able to have fun.
Server has just been up since yesterday and i got loads to do still, but won't hurt to try it
www.eq.cobra-games.com > download the patch for your client and on you go