In today's edition of the Blue Bar, we talk about how you should prepare for Cataclysm in regards to the upcoming itemization changes.

Why so soon?

We currently understand that plate dps classes are picking up leather and/or mail items as some of them currently work better for their class/spec. This post is a reminder of what we mentioned at BlizzCon 2009. In Cataclysm, plate items will have Strength on them while mail and leather will have Agility and the difference between these items will be greater than they are now. We don’t want anyone who is investing in certain items right now to be disappointed with them when the changes take effect.

As we have done in previous expansions, we plan to release a patch that updates the game systems shortly before the full expansion content goes live so you will still be experiencing Wrath of the Lich King content with the new stat systems for at least a short period of time. All classes will be changing a lot in Cataclysm and we will announce all of the changes in advance to try and prevent players from being taken by surprise. In the mean time, please make your item selections with both current and future content in mind.

Bornakk (Source)

I'm surprised Blizzard is making an announcement like this so soon, with the expansion still well over 5 months away. All it will do is cause paranoia in the minds of most of the WoW population. It will give players false justification when telling others of a different class not to roll on their respective loot, regardless of whether it's a bigger upgrade for them or not. What will be the underlying reason? "Because it'll be useless in Cataclysm. Blizzard said so!"

Every piece of gear loses its value over time in an MMORPG. That's the entire idea behind this type of game; to constantly improve your virtual character. The major difference in this case, is that it will get useless slightly sooner than usual, and it will feel sudden instead of gradual.

The best thing you can do is just grab the gear that's best for you now. When you begin to hear announcements of the beta, then start looking to fill out the item slots you still need. At that point, your guild will probably be farming most of the content you want gear from anyway, and it shouldn't be too hard to pick up the pieces you need.

In the worst case scenario, you'll have to upgrade that specific piece with leveling gear from a Cataclysm quest or dungeon, which really isn't all that bad. Some of the most fun in a new expansion can be derived from leveling a character that isn't too well geared. That way, the quest rewards actually mean more to your character than just experience and gold.

Grab the gear that is best for you now. Worry about Cataclysm later.