First i'd like to say that this is my first post here so i hope I can be of some help. From what i've read alot of people aren't quite sure about an arcane spell rotation and usefullness, and alot of people want to see some screenshots. I'll do my best to fulfill those requests.
First off, spell rotation:
There are a few different spell rotations that i find usefull depending on the situation. My suggestion is to go to Netherstorm and test them on Dr.Boom (becuase he has alot of HP and u can range him easily, in addition most of these tests were ran on him minus the ones i have ScreenShots for). Keep in mind that if at all possible you should be casting Arcane Blast just before the debuff goes away so you get the reduced casting time but not the increased mana cost, also EVERY time clearcasting procs you should be casting Arcane Missles!!! In case it needs to be explained, would you rather have a cast that costs 234 mana be free, or one that costs 784?
#1:
ABx3, AM, Scorch, repeat.
Using this rotation is going to drain your mana in about... 2mins flat self buffed. Raid buffed you'll last a little longer but this should only be used in fights that last 5mins or less.
#2:
ABx2, AM, Scorch, repeat.
This rotation is only possible with 50+spell haste. With the release of Zul'aman this is completely possible before your guild reaches BT/MH. This rotation is a little more mana efficiet, but completely dependent on your ability as a player to get your casts off in the time constrante of the AB Debuff.
#3:
ABx2, AM, repeat.
This is the most common spell rotation for arcane (and also happens to be the rotation i use). It is not as mana intensive as everyone thinks since you are getting Clearcasting procs, and can deal a butt load of damage.
OK, now i'd like to take the opportunity to link my gear from the armory so people can have an idea of the gear that im using (hopefully i'll be in raid gear when/if any one looks).
The World of Warcraft Armory
Incase any of it changes, I'm wearing 3pc T5 (gloves, legs, shoulders) so i have the 2pc bonus. My current spec is 50/11/0:
WorldofWarcraft.com -> Info -> Classes -> Mage -> Talent Calculator
As you can see its a Pom/Pyro spec heavy on the arcane side. My actual spell rotation is closer to this: ABx2, AM, PoM AP Pyroblast (i have this set as a macro) then continue to cast ABx2, AM, repeat untill the cooldowns are up or i get a clear casting proc.
I haven't had the opportunity to take any SS in a 25man raid but i have a few from ZA today and im going to add more the next time we raid (my guild is 6/6 SSC, 3/4 TK)
This is my damage meter (i use "Recount") for the Halazzi fight:
Here is a chart from the same fight showing how much damage each of my spells did and what percentage of my total damage it was(lightning bolts are from the Lightning Capacitor).
This is the meter for the Hex Lord Malacrass fight:
Like i said i'll be adding more as i can. If any one has any comments or things they would like me to add i'd be happy to talk/debate about anything mage related. Keep up the good work people and lets make/keep mages the top dps!