Quote Originally Posted by Anoyarou
Yes, I know this - some specs often have a talented skill that replaces a basic ability. For example, dagger rogues speccing Assassination use Mutilate over Backstab.

The point is, that is the exception rather than the rule. For Warriors, it's the other way around - only certain specs use Heroic Strike/Cleave and even then only in certain conditions.
...um. If we're talking about raiding, you will rarely see mutilate or backstab, as rogues pick up swords for their dps and spam SS. So yes, one of the two abilities you listed for them still sees use, and the other is confined to some dark corner for pvp.

Warlocks use a bunch of dots and bolts in initial raiding, then put most all dots aside and stick to bolts or immolate/incinerate (none of which are talented skills, only skills that are enhanced by talents) to do their best dps.

I don't see your point. Having an ability from an early level means you should see it buffed for use at max level? How many warlocks do you see using Demon Skin at 70? You're making an irrational argument. If an alternative is better, the obvious course of action is to use the better alternative, not try to make something used for another purpose (rage-dumping, tank threat, white->yellow conversion) into an equal/better action for what you want it to do.