Couple thoughts about Blizzcon

Two issues and two problems.
One, I can't stand the attitude Blizz seems to have about not putting much emphasis on classes or specs that are in the minority. They fail to realize that if they fixed the class/spec then the number of people playing it will increase. Thinking that fixing Tankadins is low priority because there are so few of them is bass ackwards. Fixing the offspec will increase the numbers of them and add more variety and options to the game which can only be a good thing. Thinking that putting Moonkin gear in is a waste because there are so few is the same kind of mistake. Hopefully the info coming out of Blizzcon is accurate and that they are addressing the offfspec itemization and viability issues.

Second, balancing the classes around arena is a problem of their own creation. When they introduced the Arena into an already fairly well balanced (yeah I know except for Warlocks) PvP system it upset the balance in ways they didn't anticipate. Paladins are now being punished because they just happened to seem tailor fit for Arena play. Why? Because the class concept is that of a 'support' class. They along with Shaman's were intended to be great support classes. What happens to be very effective in an Arena type environment? Yep--support! Especially support with a high degree of survivability.
So now Paladin PvE gets nerfed because they are too good at their intended role in Arenas. Many players seem surprised that the Devs are placing such an emphasis on balancing PvP since historically (so I'm told) the Devs did not care too much about PvP balance since 'it's not a PvP game'.
So what changed? Money! Yep, real life money. The winning team at this years Blizzcon 5v5 tournament walked away with 25K real money! Second IIRC was 15k and third 10k. That and the televised world championships of video games which also included cash prizes changes everything. PvP is no longer a fun diversion to give you a break from questing, or a way to grab some nice gear--it is a way to make money. The top teams at these tournaments are 'professional gamers' they have corporate sponsorships and get paid to play WoW Arena!
When money is on the line rather than just Honor and Marks or Points, it adds a whole new level of importance to balance. It has to be 'fair' like any other sporting contest when money is on the line.
If it was just bragging rights on the line it wouldn't be so important to the Devs.