Maximising raid opportunity

I've come to the somewhat disappointing conclusion that if I want to raid in Cataclysm I will have to re-roll a healer or tank. Unfortunately, this comes at the expense of playing the one true class I love and actually know how to play (rogue). This Rogue has almost 200 days played, half of which is during this expansion. Having almost 100 days played at level 80 is probably only something a few percent of players can claim, so to say I love my rogue is probably an understatement. Unfortunately, this does not translate to getting a spot in a raid. Being better at your class than someone else is at theirs, or putting more effort in to your character means very little in 10 man raids. The priority is get 2 tanks and 2 or 3 healers, and then fill in 5-6 spots with DPS.

So where do I go from here. The best bet is clearly to have a Pala or Druid, and spec Tank/Healer. Almost guaranteed a spot like this. The plus side is skill is not highly desired, but only preferable. I've played with various average tanks who are carried by Rogues or Hunter mis-direcets to generate threat because they don't have any idea to do it themselves. As long as you down the boss, no one is going to question your lack of skills. Healing is probably slightly harder, but then one good healer than carry poor ones.

The situation in 25 man raiding is far more fluid. The difficulty is harder so tanks and healers do need more skill. The amount of 25 man guilds available is also much higher, so it's easy to drift into one that suits your play style. Finding good 10 man guilds is next to impossible without getting into serious casual terriorty. I'd say on my realm there are maybe 5 strict 10 man progression raiding guilds. Changing guilds may be an option over re-rolling, but for me it's not easy or preferable.

The final solution to getting raid slots is creating my own guild, which is a major headache. I could probably string together a very good raid team, but I'd have to question my own leadership skills. I do semi-regularly lead raids, and I'm the type of person who gets very easily stressed out. Yesterday I kicked a friend out of a raid because he went AFK for 5 minutes, which I regretted when he returned. My edgyness makes a five minute AFK seem like hours.

I have a few months now to decide if I should continue raiding in the expansion or not. I enjoy raiding immensely but I'm not a casual player and hate being treated like one. At the same time I'm very dedicated to 10 man raiding, which is by its very nature seen as casual. I do have serveral close friends on my realm, and in the end it may have to be a group decision on where we carry on in the coming months. At least I have this blog to express my opinions without censorship, always nice to blow of a little steam. Interesting times!