Unfortunately, I did not have the "neutral" grading experience in college or graduate school. Maybe in my very large survey classes...but I also was in a lot of more intimate classes where there is a lot of interaction with teacher or assistant profs. Even in a HUGE philosophy class on death and dying (maybe 300 students?), I recall the papers were graded by a set of teaching assistants. It was luck of the draw if you might get a C or an A depending on the TA. But I also took a series of subjective classes (was a dual fine arts and pyschololgy major). I once had a friend scoff at my college GPA (behind my back)because of my art classes...but I assure you, at least with an objective subject you can STUDY to increase your odds of demonstrating competency. If you just happen to stink at sculptural bronze casting or oxyacetaline welding - well, you're pretty much hosed.
Anyway,the best thing that ever happend to cure me of my acheivement anorexia was having my first prof in graduate school announce that she refused to give A's in her class, because, as first year graduate students, there was no way that we would be able to be proficient enough at clinical assessments to deserve one. It was the best relief one could ask for as a perfectionist. And then I didn't have to worry about maintaining an expectation of perfection for myself any longer...relief!
