Mage Question

[Lissa]

Those numbers look right, for PvE. Here is the official reference (look under "Items: +Spell Hit Chance"): http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/basics/spells.html

I can't remember if there is a minimum 1% resist rate, in which case you actually aim for 3%/16% to hit instead of 4%/17%.

And as far as I know, no one really likes spell penetration gear. If you have the relevant curse it's completely moot, and it has even been shown to have no effect on the +hit or duration of polymorph/shackle undead etc.

There is always a 1% chance to miss no matter what level of the mob you are fighting.

For equal level mobs you need 4% hit (5% chance to miss normally)
For level + 1 mobs you need 5% hit (6% chance to miss normally)
For level + 2 mobs you need 6% hit (7% chance to miss normally)
For level +3 mobs (Bosses) you need 16% hit (17% chance to miss normally)

The only time you need spell penetration is when you are dealing with a mob that has innate resistance, but few mobs have any resistance, so spell penetration is usually worthless.