Nothing has changed with Old Standby, but its still our highest single target damage spec. This pony only has one trick, but its a good one.
Pros: Highest single target damage
Cons: Very poor AOE, no utility, requires melee range
Nothing is changing with this spec in 1.8 except Electrified Munitions getting a slight damage boost from AP. Its going to remain an important role for raids, because of the utility and raid awareness it allows. Also, my Marksman is probably not your Marksman. My version is better (read on).
Pros: Easy rotation, great utility
Cons: Lowest mobility of any ranged spec, sub-par damage
Ranger is making the old comeback. Its received a slight energy buff (more still needed) and the Raptor does a lot more damage. The wolf and boar both got cosmetic upgrades, but you won’t be using them in raids.
Pros: High mobility, high single-target damage, easy rotation
Cons: Completely reliant on pet, mediocre AOE, no utility
Saboteur is back with a vengeance, doing very nice AOE damage in 1.8. The catch is it has the most pain-in-the-ass rotation that we’ve ever had to do, because you must target a different mob and use abilities with janky cooldown differences.
Pros: High AOE damage, high mobility, good single-target damage
Cons: Complex rotations, no utility, indiscriminate damage