Seriously, a happy hour (double gold or xp, or both) works really well for fledgling communities, because it creates a self-fulfilling expectation that more people will be playing, leading to more people playing. Turning on double gold or xp at all times will not do shit, as people just get used to it as the new "normal".
Leveling in this mod became pointless, not even x10 would help. Original system with unlocked bonus was extremely addictive for folks who like to grind, like meself. My kind dislike hard/soft caps, balance, +/- system where to gain something you lose something. Which wouldn't be much of an issue if Leshma wasn't your typical consumer like I already told chadz. During all these years on every sensible Teeth or Kafein, effectively casual player who would spend no more than two hours per day would come at least four Leshmas, players with too much free time or an obsession over the game who spend ten or more hours per day on average. Those kind of people need something to chew on and you can't give them crumbs and expect them to be happy. Core gameplay is still solid but reward is missing for years which is why number of players dwindled.
Leshma, Kesh, Leed, kinngrimm, Finn, DaveUKR and bunch of other addicts, wannabe addicts and their fan clubs (kids who look up to knight in a shining armor plowing through masses of peasants) versus who, Merc clan and couple of sensible individuals like Tennenoth? Let's face it, this mod has become successful because it was very appealing to certain group of people. Maybe that wasn't creator's intention but that is how it played out.