patch 2.0.10 notes on the PTR

[Taelas]

I, once again, completely and openly disagree with you. They still have bear form which grants armor and life. They still have access to all of the skills of a bear tank. They're not as effective as a warrior but they CAN do it.

You're completely missing the point. Yes, they have the mitigation (somewhat). What they do not have and what they cannot create out of thin air is threat. Even with the best gear, the DPS of a Restoration druid is laughable (and bears tank through damage) compared to a Feral druid--and their DPS isn't something to cheer about.

Pre-TBC, yes, Restoration druids could off-tank even with no points in Feral (though they would NOT be good at it). We had threat modifiers then. All we have now is damage and a glorified Heroic Strike.

Do your healing abilities, battle rez, buffing, etc disappear when you access the feral tree? There is TWO roles a warrior can spec into. DPS or tank for that reason ALONE the dps spec should tank as well as a feral druid.

While I tank, they might as well, yes. Except in very limited situations (what TheDragoon posted above), a Feral druid cannot innervate or rebirth while tanking. And to be perfectly frank, a Feral druid would never bring the buff with a Restoration druid along--the Restoration druid has the choice of buffing Feral or buffing MotW. Which one do you think he'll take, assuming he wants to do nothing except heal in raids?

I'm not as hung up about it as you are.

Obviously.

Because my 31/13/17 spec is to emphasize my utility in raids and for guild needs. Prior to 70 and for my pre-tbc raiding experience I was 31/20/0 and tanked every boss in MC, BWL, many of the encounters in AQ40 and was one of the primary OTs in Naxx.

I see.