i played my palies as prot all the way to 80. I PLd them in Deepholm til 85. I went in Jade Serpent instance at 85 as 5 prots and I was doing ok,..but it took FOREVER to kill stuff..even trash. I changed to one prot and 4 rets and just destroyed the place. So yea.. til 80+ ( maybe 85+ i did not do the cata instances.. i PLd ) playing prots is fun and safe/easy.