Well, I can't speak for others, but this is my approach to Heroics:

1) Get to 70. Currently 68 (and a half).

2) Gear up - using normal instances, crafted gear, and some pvp gear if needed.

3) Once my gear reaches an appropriate level, run Heroics for badges, badges, badges... hehe.

I'm thinking as close to +1000 spell damage as possible, 6,000+ armor, 8,000+ health before Step 3.