@Guy and noel, I'm sorry to hear that you got kicked due to unrealistic expectations by the pug leader. That sucks, and I'm not being cynical or sarcastic here. That was a legitimate example on how GS can be used inappropriately. But then again, I have a feeling you don't want to join that kinda group anyway. Those kinds of pugs tend to not last long, even if they're doing Naxx in 5k GS. Guaranteed, the MT or OT or 2 healers will be "afk brb my dog pooped on me" or "disconnect" after they get their loot or something else.

I hope there are other pugs in your server who's willing to take your 5850 gs for VOA. If not that day, then maybe another day. VOA is around all week. If not, maybe another week, or through a friend, or apply to a social-casual guild and start proving to them that you're a good and geared player, willing to learn, etc.

Back to rated BG example, if the raid leader is setting an unrealistic expectation (iLevel average 400 or no invite), then you don't want to be in there to begin with. That group will be filled with super geared people, but due to lack of his leadership skill, they're not going to fare that well. He's the type of person who would "WTF someone defend pls" or "you guys are nubs l2p!!" instead of truly inspiring the team to perform and communicate.