There are only two patch messages that mention spell worn off messages:
August 23, 2000 7:00 am (
http://everquest.allakhazam.com/hist...es-2000-2.html)
*Updated EQCLIENT.INI documentation*
[snip]
Here is a list of user colors to use as a guide when editing the file:
[snip]
29 - Spell worn off
...
This shows that some messages existed prior to 8/23/2000, and they were documenting how to set the color for them in your eqclient.ini file.
The next mention is the revamp on May 11, 2005 (
http://everquest.allakhazam.com/hist...es-2005-1.html)
-Based on player feedback, we have removed the notification to the caster that occurred whenever a heal-over-time spell made an exceptional heal and added new functionality to let the caster know when their spell has worn off.
-All detrimental spells that have a duration will now notify their caster when they wear off.
-All buffs that last at least 24 seconds and do not go to the short buff window will now notify their caster when they wear off.
However, I have logs going back to 2003 (yes, I know, not classic, but before the worn off revamp of 2005) showing worn off messages for a variety of detrimental spells (Apathy, Bliss, Cripple, Dazzle, Entrancing Lights, Fascination, Forlorn Deeds, Graeter Fetter, Howl of Tashan, Rapture, Strangle, Tashania, Torment of Argli, Torment of Scio, Word of Morell, 'charm', 'fear', Instill, Mark of Retaliation, Petrifying Earth) (can you tell my logs are from an Enchanter and a Cleric?
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I, sadly, don't have logs going back earlier than 2003, but I've asked my guildies to see if they have anything going back further...
Edit: Based on Nilbog's post, it looks like this patch is in sync with what my logs show, ie: worn off messages for detrimental spells only, while the target is alive only.