While I like recount for quick numbers, I combat log everything. If I really want to see what is going on I'll run a parse with WoWWebStats or one of the other sites to drill down and look for things.

There are some good points in this thread so far. I agree with Hachoo in that theoretical dps and actual dps are often quite different. While it would interesting to see how close you can get to hitting the limit with clever macros and bindings, it does leave us with a difficult problem. Theoretical dps is easy to compare. You have forumlas and numbers and in the end you go with the number that is higher. Realized or actual dps is harder though since it relies heavily on the skill of the boxer, the quality of their macros, and the different encounters in which they record data.

If we work from theory only, some will argue that it's pointless since it's unlikely that a boxer can hit those numbers. If we work from realized numbers, some will argue that a different comp woudl be better if only a boxer played it better. So how do we aproach this? I'm not saying we have to pick one method and stick to that only, but I do think we need to all understand that the numbers might be different, but they are both valid.

I'm personally interested in both kinds of results. I like theorycrafting and math is solid and defendable. That said, I'm more likely to play a group that I can realize a acceptable potential from than one that is theoretical best but unplayable with my fat fingers. Now the trick is that acceptable potential is a very personal thing and what I consider acceptable might not match with others. I'm going to try and work from theory and numbers and leave if people think they can milk the group for enough up to the reader.

This sound like a plan?

- Souca -