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Linx,
Thank you for reviewing my app. I am quite impressed with not only your questions but your gear set as well. To answer your questions in full, as I am very passionate about the shaman class and it's future in Cata, I'll try to be somewhat brief in my answers. Please forgive me if the wall of text is off-putting.
1. In regards to CH and it's relation/pairing with RT, allow me start by talking about haste and HoT duration. Because of my current haste base in addition to the t10 2-set bonus I have been able to increase RT to roughly 16.2 seconds by adding an extra tick, with the new haste mechanics. Also, considering how powerful Tidal Waves is, it's essential to cast RT on evey cooldown for maximum effectiveness.
To focus on CH, it must be noted that I am of the school of thought that denounces CH as the cure-all to raid healing (a.k.a. spam chaining). For instance, with the current changes, CH's effectiveness has been considerably degraded (not to mention that Deep Healing only effects the initial target). So, in essence, I mainly use it at the tail end of my rotation before RT returns off CD in order to capitalize on the CH bonus should the RT have been used on a melee/tank target. Otherwise, it is used situationally.
Intermission~lol
2. My current talent spec, in retrospect, could do without Elemental Weapons to be spent in Acuity for the crit bonus. Given now that my HPS/throughput is significantly better, it would be the wise choice. Also, seeing as a static % of crit will be even more substantial in Cata it would be worth the investment.
While on the subject of talent specs, you will note that I chose to incorporate Focused Insight and to avoid Nature's Blessing. The reasoning behind Focused Insight is that with a sound macro and timely use, I have seen a considerable increase in mana efficiency and healing. However, after much review, a case could be made for Telluric Currents since the higher caliber of raid synergy would allow for segments of downtime between rotations as well as during certain fights in ICC. Additionally, I have seen others pair this with Convection or Concussion which is a waste IMO. My reasoning for not taking Nature's Blessing is because I am rarely assigned or choose to ST heal (tank heal) other than
providing assistance to the dedicated healer(s) - although I am comfortable with it if I had
to.
Intermission~
3. As far as Cata is concerned, I have found in beta (and on paper) that our current primary role as RHeals is still quite effective, however, there are some significant changes that many (who are opposed to change) will not like - I am all for it. For example, being that we are currently more reactionary than premptive and less efficient then we will need to be, the adjustment will be more of an evolution in tactics.
For raiding in Cata, efficiency and timing rule the day, thus changing the main rotation (with the possible occlusion of CH because of Deep Healing). As such, instead of RT>HW>HW>HS/CH>RT, that I currently mostly use, the rotation will change to RT>GHW>GHW>HS>HS>RT (without BL) or RT>GHW>GHW>GHW>GHW>RT (with BL). Additionally, Deep Healing, from what can be seen so far, will be a primary stat in addition to Crit as our main focus. I don't forsee CH being used except for situational use because, as I mentioned before, only the initial target truly benefits from DH and the rotations listed above provide the highest HPS efficiently.
In summation, I hope that I answered all of your questions adequately. I am very open to any criticism you or others might have that I could learn from. Thank you again.
-Justin, Stunner
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