At Crayola we used the Hay system. In it only so many were allowed to be classified exceptional. Why is that? If there are more than the "number" so be it. The idea was to move most to the middle and keep them below the mid point of their salary range. We were told it was good for you. It could add a whole extra percentage point to your raise. Except the kept lowering the amount of raises so that was crap too. HR does not work to improve employees standing. It is there for the company and the company only. A pox on review and raise systems