Some of that accelerated pace is because you guys have been going up against critters tougher than assumed for your level and kickin' their butts -- and that's without the benefit of the assumed wealth gear either.

In other words, even without the "+2 or higher" magic whatsits the game assumes 8th level characters will have, you're taking on stuff tougher than expected and beating it down. You guys rock!

-The Gneech