As a guild and raid leader, and before that, a tank (who struggled to get himself a spot on raids), I would like to clarify on that.

Earning a spot isn't easy. Tanks, Healers and DPS all suffer from that. Unless you are joining a new guild, the raid group will be more or less defined already. The MAIN raid group.

Lets consider an overcautious 25man group. 3 tanks, 7 healers, 15 dps. Ok, looks like there isn't much room for a tank. However, if you switch to the 10 man model, you are talking about 4 tanks, 6 healers and 10 dps. You will see that the only slot to increase in numbers was tanking. And 10man is one of the best ways, if not the best, to prove yourself to your guild. And, as shown above, the easiest one to find a spot into.

Ok, I have it "a bit easy". I'm a druid, with a full set of 25man tanking, dpsing (boomkin) and healing gear. So if there is a spot, I usually can fit in. I've been raiding a lot, so I have my spot already, and the gear to go with it.

As a rule of thumb, I would say you are on the right path. Dual tank/healer. Get offspec pieces, and use the opportunities (10man and 5mans with your fellow guildies) to show your skills. Eventually a spot will open up. If you are really good, all it will take is a single opportunity. I've seen it happen.

Always carry your offspec gear with you, along with food, flasks etc for both spec, so you can switch on the spot. More often than not, the raid will rather have you, even if you are new, than someone who will have to hearth back to get his stuff.

There is no such thing as free lunch. If you want a spot bad enough, go and make it happen.

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