Love the article!

All you new hunters in blues and greens should worry about your DPS as well as the success of the group. You'll need to prove yourself, so do your best! 1500 DPS isn't too high a mark, if you're not there usually, it's time to study up a bit.

As to the ones out there that aren't used to pugging, sitting in T9/T10 raid gear just shopping for frost badges, your role is less clear. Don't try to blow up the meters, it's not needed unless the other 2 DPS are putting up smaller numbers than the tank (or the healer...I've seen this). Worry less about your DPS, and more about making sure the run goes smoothly. MD, CC, protecting the healers. If your tank is good, there's not much of that to do, but if they're less skilled, it will make the difference between a quick, smooth run and a nightmare.

I can't go along with the pet on defensive though, as a general rule. Too many opportunities to cause problems if you're new to controlling your pet in that environment. For the vets though, it's a bit of a time-saver.