Arenas Tactics - 4 Shaman

[Altsoba]

Yes, it's Arenas plural because I really think we miss a thread about "How to handle each arena". Tbh I also think that this section misses stickies and that a knowledge base compilation should somehow wome straight to the eys when you enter this part of the forum.

I'll explain how I handle every individual Arena. Similar to my gemming gear and enchant thread this is more a "cry for help" than a guide. But I hope the answers from more skilled and experienced players will help me and others.

RUINS OF LORDAERON
I sometimes rush my team to the left center. This has proven to be bad more often than good. My team is just too exposed but targets are also very close and if the team don't move fast or don't pay attention I can nuke 1-2 before they settle.

I prefer the most conservative tactic of waiting just after the door. I'm far from the center and they cannot really play too well with los. Giving them initiative has proven to be not that bad.

THE CIRCLE OF BLOOD - BLADE's EDGE
I just go up the ramp and stay at one end and wait for them to come. I hate when they come by the sides or when they just hide behind the pillars under the bridge. Thunderstorming them when fighting in the middle of the bridge has proven to be bad since my targets (all) just get out of sight and regroup and heal and so on.

DALARAN SEWERS
I hate this arena... I really feel awkward and vulnerable there. I've been winning some fights there but I think it's just because other teams are bad.
I hate to get behind any of the boxes since I really have los issues so 90% of the fights I just stay really vulnerable and exposed on top of the platform just after the stairs. It's a pain when they come from the sides on the ground level.
I still prefer the "vulnerable" option and I just feel stupid there waiting for them to charge...

THE RING OF TRIALS - NAGRAND
Even more conservative here. I run to the alcove on the left and wait for them. Charging them here means (to me) getting too exposed in the middle. Pillars here are the worst from all arenas.

THE RING OF VALOR - ORGRIMMAR
By far my favorite. It's usually possible to kill at least one at the very start of the arena (at least on the low ratings I play). And if you can just hold on till the columns go down the enemy is going to be really exposed. With the wind shear spam healers using pillars to hide and heal have their task made more difficult.
My priest tries to fear them before they do () and when it works it's awesome. I stay right in the front but I think that's a mistake because aggressive teams will be on me right away. If I get closer to my column I think (haven't tried yet) I can still nuke them and at least have a bit more time till they're on top of my team.

Notes:
I play really defensively most of the time. Don't know if it's good but for the time being I really lack confidence/skill to be aggressive. As far as my short experience goes, going berserk is sure going to be a fast outcome either losing or winning.

Another very important thing we don't often speak of is the role of our healer. It'd be great to have some ideas on how they handle it in the different scenarios.

Thank you for your insights.