Nice guide +REP.
Just wanted to add that if you have nice friends or guildies you can enter Blackrock Caverns and Throne of the Tides(tested with my own 78 Mage).
These instances will give you item lvl 308 gear and you only need to be lvl 78 to wear it.
Also you can put Rare Cata gems in the belt buckle like Solid Ocean Sapphire(only item lvl 285 needed)
Only belt atm for Rare Cata gems is Beaty's Silken Ribbon.