I prefer to pull a large first group to test the team. I can gauge where our DPS will be based on how quickly things die, and I can gauge how skilled the healer is, based on where my health levels go, as my cool down rotation is pretty well engrained in me. And then I adjust my speed/pulls accordingly. I prefer not to judge things soley based on your ilevel.

Of course if we wipe, I'll check all gear and then take the blame if the ilevels are low.