Comparison of three models with different values for the companion mass: 0.8 M_⊙ (solid blue), 1.0 M_⊙ (dashed red) and 1.15 M_⊙ (dot-dashed green). Panel A) the Roche-lobe overfilling factor. Panel B) the mass loss rate during RLOF in M_⊙ yr^-1. Panel C) the tidal forces in log(s^-1). Panel D) the eccentricity pumping forces in log(s^-1). Panel E) net change in eccentricity per second. Panel F) mass ratio. Panel G) the eccentricity. Panel H) the orbital period in days. See Sect. 6 for discussion.