Originally Posted by
extrudedcow
Frost Channeling - The reduced Blizzard threat is marginally useful, while the boosted mana efficiency is unnecessary if you can properly time an Evocation. Frost Channeling reduces the odds that you'll need to Evocate or run OOM when a fight goes poorly. Not having to Evocate means more time spent doing damage.
Flame Throwing - The extended range means less repositioning needed in fights with movement. It also allows you to position yourself further away in situations where you need to remain spaced out from other players. Yes, with an intelligent raid most of the movement can be avoided, but it only takes one idiot to screw things up. Here's a few situations in Ulduar where extended range can be useful:
Ignis: There's a golem that needs shattering, and you have Hot Streak up. Thanks to the extra 6 yards range, it's more likely you're going to be in range and able to cover for the person that should have been shattering it, but failed. Sure, you could wind up another Frostfire Bolt, but by then it could be too late, or you could be interrupted by flame jets.
Iron Council: Molgeim just tossed down a rune. If it's a death rune, you have more options as to where to exit and still be able to do damage while remaining outside of chain lightning/static disruption range from another player. If it's a rune of power, it's more likely you'll be able to stand in the rune and dps the current target. If you're doing Brundir last, you'll be able to get off more casts while he's flying through the air.
Hodir: Fires and beams can be positioned poorly at times. An extra six yards can be the difference between being able to stand in a fire/beam and cast, or having to reposition.
Freya: This fight is full of movement. Not having to move to dps a tree, find a closer mushroom, or to get within range of an add is a big plus.
Mimiron: Spreading out in phase 1 is helpful. Additional range allows you to stand near the back, and helps keep the raid grouped up within range of the healers. It also helps avoid out of range errors right after a shock blast, if the tank moved away from you to avoid it.
Vezax: Additional range means more Shadow Crashes available to dps in. Not terribly relevant for FFB (you will likely be sticking to FFB spam), but very useful for Fireball spec.
Yogg: Extended range can be very useful in phase 1, depending on the strat being used and your job. In phase 2 it will on average result in less movement, and therefore more dps time.