Classic to BC was a huge jump, with raiding epics quickly replaced.
BC to Wrath was less of a jump and Kellanon had gear well through the leveling process and a few changed only with Heroics and Naxxramas.
It appears Cataclysm will go to the first model:
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=25712371212&sid=2000
Some of those crafted items are better than ICC heroic gear.
As much as it sucks replacing gear you worked so hard for with a green, I love the holyshitlookatallthosestats feeling you get.
Well, I guess if I don't see the lich king die before the expasion. I'll make sure to go back with the new gear and kick his ass!
Quote- Elementium Stormshield (Ebonsteel bar x6 Elementium bar x1) [Gives 5 skillup per craft?]
BoE
Off Hand
Shield
11896 Armor
+286 Stam
+190 Int
+127 Spirit
Requires lvl 85
ilvl 359
Equip: Improves haste rating by 127.
Really? 11k armor? Is that a typo because nothing else listed even comes close to that.