I would say a rise is a rise and that you shouldnt complain.

My worst ever payrise was £500pa but I have also had years when I have had no rise and once took a pay cut in the short term when swithing to my current job although I have since had rises which mean that I now earn more than I previously did.

We get an appraisal grade where I work and last year my grade although perceived as the 'norm' and achieved by approximately 80% of staff didn't qualify for a pay rise. The only people getting a rise were those that got promoted or were deemed to be consistently performing above their grade which was about 10% of the firm. I did get a payrise but only because I asked for a rise in my appraisal meeting and gave reasons as to why I thought I deserved one. Sometimes if you dont ask, you dont get.