- 2t12: 275 int (modeled with no increased mp5 from ToL lifeblooms)
4t12: 525 int (overhealing is not modeled, so in practice this should be very slightly lower)
2t13: 88 int (averaged with back-to-back Innervate use)
4t13: 227 int (overhealing is not modeled, so in practice this should be lower)
So, moving between set bonuses:
- 4t12: 0 int (base value)
4t12 into 2+2: -437 int
2+2 into 4t13: -48 int
4t12 into 4t13: -485 int
Here are some scaling factors I calculated for the same fight parameters. These will vary heavily based on your actions, but can be used as a reference:
- int: 1
sell power: 0.47
spirit: 0.40
crit: 0.43
mastery: 0.47
haste: N/A (you're reforging to a breakpoint anyway, value should be whatever you can reforge it into in most cases)
Int-equivalent delta values for t13 vs t12 pieces (rare gems, haste = mastery):
T13 384 lfr:
- head: -36
shoulders: -4
chest: -14
hands: -48
legs: -15
T13 403 normal:
- head: 52
shoulders: 62
chest: 74
hands: 18
legs: 73
T13 410 heroic:
- head: 153
shoulders: 137
chest: 175
hands: 92
legs: 174
I'll skip the values for different combos since they'd take too much space, but here's my recommendation based on these calculations:
* You should never switch to 2+2.
* You should switch to 4t13 when you get 3 pieces of heroic tier.
* In practice, when you account for overhealing, 4t13 410 is probably more or less equivalent to 4t12 391.
This is because the t12 bonuses are relatively good. Paladin 4t13 bonus is twice as good as the druid 4t12 bonus, so they're not exceptional, but still strong. Sadly the t13 bonuses are pretty much worthless. The item level upgrades simply don't make up for the loss before you're in practically full heroic gear.
Do note that this analysis is done for a 600 second fight for total healing done, and might not be accurate for shorter scenarios, especially burst healing or mana dumping. Overhealing is not modeled. There might be errors in TreeCalcs, but I did go through the formulas to make sure they didn't look off. Also this does not take into account the boost you get from the next haste breakpoint, which will give haste a high scaling factor if you need to grab all the haste you can get.
I'm actually surprised at the results and how grim they look. No switching to t13 means no scaling from four gear slots, and druids aren't exactly shining right now otherwise either. While I cannot spot any clear errors in the calculations, I'd love for someone else to also do a serious detailed analysis of their own to get a second set of results.
On the topic of metagems, Burning Shadowspirit Diamond -- 54 int + 3% increased crit effect (old dps-only) -- works on heals now based on testing with Swiftmend and Lifebloom. It is obviously the best metagem you can use, while everyone, including me, has been recommending the Revitalizing gem in the past. The color requirements are also trivial, so you should switch immediately. (edit: apparently this was posted on EJ a few days ago already, but hey, always good to test yourself!)