I can understand growing attached to one spec: I loved MM back in wrath. Learning a new spec was daunting. That said, I shamelessly switched to SV, the spec that is currently doing the most overall DPS, with the understanding that I'm in raids to bring the highest numbers possible. (And in retrospect, picking up the new rotation was actually very simple) Exceptional players who go above and beyond to find a way to make their spec viable are by definition the exception. The rest of us spend a lot of time on sites like this, reading up on what other people have done and tried so that we can make an informed decision on how to spec, what gear to take, and what tactics to try. You can decide whether to take these tips or go your own way, but the multitudes of hunters who spec for raw fire-power are not bad because they follow the norm. Maximizing DPS is part of being a team player, especially for hunters who can't contribute a battle rez, cleanse, or mana regen ability. That's not to say we should refuse to trap, tranq shot, misdirect, or kite when we can, though; all of these skills are part of what makes playing a hunter so fun!