In all the hubbub of Patch 3.0.8, many hunters have swapped over to the new Survival. While I don’t have an issue with this, I would like to say that you must expect a learning curve with it. Unless you’re very quick on the uptake and learn new strats like Speedy Gonzalas, don’t expect instant results. If you’re going to switch specs, stick with it until you see generous improvement.

If you ARE Speedy Gonzalas, congratulations! Survival is doing a considerable amount of damage, and as much as I wish MM had gotten buffed, Survival is now in the spotlight. If your ultimate goal is to master the spec which yeilds the most damage available in most situations, Survival is the new BM. One of our MM hunters switched to Survival a few days ago, and has suddenly shot up three or four damage spots on Recount, as well as matches or surpasses my DPS on some bosses. Her gear is minimally better, her computer slower – therefore, her DPS could be surpassing my own by a generous amount with some more practice and a better connection. Perhaps you’ll find that while you didn’t quite grasp MM, you’re very adept at the strats for SV.

If you don’t like the idea of SV, or don’t like change in general, you can still be useful with the other specs. Just don’t expect to be competing for the top of the charts unless the skill and gear of those you play with is lesser than your own. Arcane mages are destroying things like it’s child’s play, Death Knights are still incredibly powerful, and Rogues aren’t to be discredited. But remember – it’s not all about top damage. Do what you enjoy doing, be a joy to have in group, know your strats and techniques, do your best on damage, and you’ll always be a valuable player.

On a lighter note, I got some gear upgrades last night! Betrayer dropped, but it went to our DK. Luckily for me, Journey’s End dropped, too. Not the best, but definitely an upgrade from my Wraith Spear. I also picked up my tier 7.5 chest piece, a slight upgrade from Heroic, but the second-best in slot. Best if you have the 2-piece set bonus, imo. I’d suggest the shoulders and the chest, but the other tier pieces aren’t worth it in my humble opinion.

Last night, <Explicit> one-shotted the remaining bosses in Naxx25 and moved on to our first real Malygos attempts.

First, let me start by saying that we have a great group of talented players, most of whom are respectful, fun, and intelligent. Maturity may be lacking in some cases, but respectfulness tends to outweigh the issues caused by it. That being said, there are still those who struggle with certain issues, be it poor computers, schedule inconsitancies, health problems, or wife aggro. Every dog has his day, but mostly he’s just a dog. And we’re just people, playing this game we love. We can’t run away from bad days, or even bad weeks in which nothing is accomplished. The battlegroup issue was horrendous.

Being able to play again has raised spirits exponentially, and our speedy disposal of Naxx bosses has boosted our confidence. However, sometimes our assessment of skills makes us forget that we are still only as good as our gear permits. Suffice it to say, we must clear Naxx many more times before we’re ready to down Malygos. And now, after the battlegroup issues, we are three weeks behind schedule. What do we say to that? Bring it on. In a few weeks’ time, we’re going to shave that damn beard right off the dragon. Oh, the imagery!

<3 Nass