Experience Rates With 0-5 Other Group Members

[Sadre Spinegnawer]

Is it correct to put the matter this way:

a) the exp penalty of a given class (they need x times more exp to level) is partnered with a sort of exp bonus in groups (they eat a small amount more of the exp of a given kill than chars in the group without the penalty).

b) This system is a way of imposing a penalty (twice the exp needed in some class/race cases) but also partially offsetting it, so diff classes and races leveling rates do not get totally out of whack (exp penalty classes simply fall way behind, given equal playing times)?

Not trying to understand the math, but the overall logic of the system and what the "penalty" is and is meant to do, and how it is (or is not) offset.