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Even though Karn will probably be the only person to post in this topic, I still want to talk to someone about this.

From what I've seen/crunched, there are only 2-3 viable specs:

http://www.wowhead.com/?talent=LMZhxZqIzMgczVdIzsGo - 2/8/51

This spec focuses on getting the necessary talents to put out adequate DPS (which is more important than simple threat generation in the new tanking game) while at the same time grabbing a few more situational talents that I myself prefer to have (Improved Bloodrage, Last Stand). Only one point is in Improved Bloodrage so that I can fully get Toughness so that Armored to the Teeth is at it's full potential.

http://www.wowhead.com/?talent=LZhxZVIbMgczidIzsGo - 2/8/51

This build focuses on getting the maximum amount of DPS possible. Gag Order buffs Shield Slam to maximum DPS, while Last Stand and Improved Bloodrage are dropped to keep the points in Deflection. I've seen some tanks going 0/8/53, preferring to put those two points in Anticipation, which makes no sense to me. Honestly, from who I've talked to, Last Stand isn't even needed currently, as the bosses are very easy to take down.

http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=LVZhZMItrg0zidIzsGo - 5/3/53

Lastly, a specc that drops some DPS for more mitigation. Not particularly needed for the new content, and definitely not something I would use because I like having that extra crit damage (especially for levelling and grinding), but it's something to think about. The argument behind this specc is maximum survivability. Of course, once you're geared enough, this specc is a joke and damage speccs should be taken over this. However, for the undergeared tank trying to get a rush on content before the expansion with his guild, this extra mitigation will allow you to do content you maybe should have a little trouble with.

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Essentially, try to avoid Imp. Disciplines and Safeguard like they're a vote for McCain. They're horrible talents and won't really serve you much at all.

Some people debate on putting points in Incite, but in my opinion the points are 100% worth it. With Glyph of Revenge and Glyph of Heroic Strike, a simple macro* makes Heroic Striking a simple and essential part of every tank's rotation.

Macro:
/cast revenge
/cast Heroic Strike

(Warning: If revenge isn't off cooldown or not available, this macro will still use Heroic Strike, so be careful and don't spam it.)

P.S. @ Karn: If you took 3/3 Armored to the Teeth right now, with your current armor unbuffed, you'd gain 266 AP. That's 200 more damage on your Shockwave. Trust me, pick it up. razz

Tanking now is less about threat generation and more about DPS. The game has simply changed. You're right about the first specc, though, the lack of Gag Order doesn't make any sense.

11/5/45

I've changed my mind a lot over the past week. The more I test out builds (I've spent about 100g respeccing lately) and the more mathcraft I do, the more I realize what I really like.

My build now:

http://www.wowhead.com/?talent=LZhZVItrtczidIzsGo

My build at 80:

http://www.wowhead.com/?talent=LVMhzbZhZVItrxzzidIzsGo

I honestly think that Puncture isn't really a requirement anymore, and with the new glyphs, Heroic Strike will only ever be used as a rage dump, so the three points spent to improve it simply aren't worth it. Improved Revenge is absolutely amazing, and even though it's not going to be used on raid bosses, it's still extremely useful in 5-mans. I've been considering dropping two points in Shield Specialization for Imp. Spell Reflection, although that's a hard choice to make. I'll have to see how it rolls around in WoTLK and how much imp. Spell Reflection will actually be needed.

Honestly, tanking has changed so much that there are certain things that can easily be dropped and just forgotten about, like Imp. Heroic Strike.