got it, thanks man! much appreciated....apparently asking a simple question like that around here is a bad thing because I got an email saying as much? O.o

Anyhow, now I understand what the last few pages of this thread were about.

So about this nerf, I'm sure there's going to be lots of ways in which we'll make up for it, for example the talent point regen buff? I just don't understand why the change? I mean, it seems like things are going okay now at least from a noob Resto perspective. I really don't have a problem with regen and mine isn't has high as the average Resto's...I think i'm lookin at lower 600s? I've seen some people 1000+. I guess once these changes are made I'll see what exactly the difference its making, a point some said earlier and I agree with.

I guess "need to" wasn't quite the right choice of words. But as I understand it, 360 is now the soft cap assuming the availability of WoA and IMA/SRA with no points in CF, and not 220 as it was before 3.0.8 and as stated in the OP. If you don't have the gear required to get you to 360, or you have other items that you could be trading off in those slots, or you find yourself in raids without those buffs, then speccing into CF is another way to hit the (now much higher) softcap.

I understand that you are trying to make a comprehensive list of items that many people can use as a reference, and many people will use as a reference, which I think is both helpful and a good resource for many players and I commend you for undertaking such a daunting task. That being said I think it is imprudent to ignore a couple of very solid drops that are surprisingly not on your list (some which are arguably considered best in slot by many players).

For example, I really think that the Necklace of the Glittering Chamber should be on that list as it is comprable, if not better, than the Chains of Adoration which is one of the two necks you mention. I am also quite baffeled as to why the Spaulders of Catatonia are missing. Many people have mentioned these and made a solid argument for why they might be considered best in slot (in this thread even!). Why are these two items missing?

I know that there has been a lot of crit vs. haste debate here, and a lot of suggestions as to what item is best and why, but does anyone argue that the two items mentioned about are solid items (at the minimum comprable to those mentioned already) that should be acknowledged in a compilation of "best gear" available?

I am just trying to make sure your list remains a solid and reliable source, Nofair!

I did not mean to make you defensive, and that was not my intent. I just think that you focusing on strange stats to rate potential loot. I applaud you for taking the time and effort to put such a resource together as many people, including myself, do not have the time (or patience) to do so. And I feel that overall it is a good resource.

My comment with regard to perspective on other stats was specifically in regard to your heavy prioritization in your list based on haste/crit (which I felt I was clear on in my previous post, but must not have been). I have highlighted a part of your last comment that I find interesting. If you state that crit is a worthless stat for a druid, why are you placing "crit" gear on your list and prioritizing gear based on "crit"? Why did your original response to my query as to why you left off our best spirit based neck from your list state that you did so because the lifebinder's locket was a better "crit" neck? This is where my concern with your list and the priotization of items arises.

I have conceded that the life binder's locket was a solid neck, and that I may even consider wearing it post 3.1. I also concede that intellect is a powerful stat for a resto druid as well. Hell, I would even go one step further and perhaps concede that I am flat out dead wrong in wearing not wearing it. I don't think either neck is a poor choice, and I do think that people could find justification for using either item.

Where I guess I am having a problem is that so much emphasis has been put on items based on haste/crit, which just about everyone in this thread (including yourself!) have stated are basically wasted itemization for resto druid gear. Let me go one step further to try and clarify my point. Would you honestly wear the Chains of Adoration over the Glittering Chamber if presented the option of just those two necks? I would guess probably not. Yet you have the Chains of Adoration on your list as the only other option (as far as your list is concerned) to the life binder's locket...because it offers haste! /boggle

I am not saying that your list is bad, or that you are not doing a good job, I think you are doing great! I am just requesting that items of equal quality and value are supplied so that people who venture here looking for information can use your list and have a comprehensive selection of items to tailor to their personal preference/playstyle.

Granted...we will probably all be having this same discussion as soon as 3.1 hits and the list will be completely changing as a result of the mana changes and new gear, so maybe I'm making a mountain out of a molehill!