Do Shamans have a place in end game content?

[Sinomin]

While this is sort of a noble sentiment, it's important to recognize those occasions when different does mean weaker. Retribution paladins are underpowered for any form of end-game content right now, and it's because of people like GG who correctly understand that sometimes talents and talent trees are weak that Retribution is getting upgrades on test realms. The goal is for Retribution to be different-but-equal; we aren't there yet, and getting there is best served by a clear understanding of what's wrong, as opposed to a very simplistic "everything is fine only evil guilds force spec" view. (I'm not even sure how "right guild" got into the discussion. No one is talking about forcing spec, nor about making you or anybody else respec, and Retribution's insufficiency is objective, not merely a matter of opinion.)

I do realize the weaknesses of the Ret tree and I did not imply everything was fine. I was simply trying to point out that even with its current state they do if fact bring some value to a well balanced raid. If a raid was short a key class then it would obviously have to be filled with the most suitable choice. If all the bases were covered a Ret Paladin has its value and hopeful will have more value in the future. There were several references to forcing a respec and that Ret specs dont belong in raids. Hence my reference to the "right guild", which I apologize if that came off harsh. What I meant, was in reference to the OP's question of having a place in end game content. All classes/specs have value and if one guild (or one person) doesnt see that value it may not be the right guild for you.

Also the players skill and gear go a long way to making a spec valuable, as several have already pointed out, but thats not what the discussion was about.