Quote Originally Posted by Valmaxian View Post
I'm torn on this particular issue is because while I try to contribute to my groups as much as possible (including DPS), there are times when I won't - primarily when completing a raid for the first time. I always come prepared, but part of being comfortable going into CS is trust, and being as familiar as possible with the content - a challenge using DF. A lot of the DPS proponents here are highly experienced players who know the content extremely well. If I'm new to something, I'd be taking risks going into CS given the learning curve. This is a situation in which I would really want other players to be patient with me, and understand that my not adding much DPS is because I feel like taking that risk could potentially lead to party deaths, or at worst, a wipe. As soon as I feel like I understand the mechanics, I'll happily DPS. I personally experience significant stress when healing, but I love it - it just takes some time to get to "that" point comfort-wise.
As a DPS, and an aspiring healer, I'd rather a mistake DPSing than learning the fight before DPSing. Being comfortable is important, but being confident is equally important.
Whenever I go into a DF as a Healer I always say "I'm new to healing please bear with me" and I have NEVER EVER had anyone make a negative comment. I've had grumpy, angry players (none directed at me though) but as has been pointed out in other places, if you just tell them ahead of time, people are super open about giving you space. Even in Extreme Fights.
There's a reason for DPSing WHILE learning instead of Learn->DPS:
Learning to improvise a fight you don't know with your full toolkit makes you better able to respond to "OH S$!&" moments in future fights.