I have noticed something odd…
When I change my consumables to just add one flask ( Flask of Blinding Light )… the optimizer reverts back to choosing mana/5 gear over more damage oriented gear.
With no consumables : 689811395c384ad88bc16202fdafa71d
With 1 consumable : f811ee6465214a19b5d7143fba5a28ed
I imagine this has to do with the length of the fight. I understand having the length of the fight to factor in the calculations, but since the length depends on the raid you are in ( the DPS output of your raid members), would it be possible to remove that from the calculations, so we can maximize the potential damage, and we can worry about managing mana on our own. ( down ranking spells, choosing not to cast, performing support functions, like innervate on healers, battle res, tranquility, spot heal etc )
After all, if a raid wanted to go pure DPS, they would just stack warlocks or mages. Balance druids are utility support players. We make all things better. We want to max our DPS when we can, but have to fulfil our support role even more. Being able to eliminate M/5 in the calculation, helps us with DPS potential.