Final answer:
The distinguishing characteristic of retrospectives methodology that does not belong is that 'reviews cannot be linked to percent complete', as reviews can indeed be tied to project progress metrics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distinguishing characteristics of retrospectives methodology are centered around providing structured reflection on the processes used in project management to enhance continuous learning and improvement. Not all characteristics listed are true to retrospectives methodology.
One main feature of the retrospectives is that it establishes in-process learning gates during the project lifecycle, allowing for continuous reflection and adaptation. Another key factor is the use of an independent facilitator to ensure an unbiased review process. Also, an owner is typically assigned who is responsible for tracking the actions that come out of the retrospective.
However, the assertion that 'reviews cannot be linked to percent complete' does not align with the method, as reviews can indeed be linked to project milestones which can be quantitatively measured. Finally, a characteristic of successful retrospectives is the creation of a repository that is easy to access and use for learning purposes.