Yes, indeed. I don't know if I'll keep twinking on that Hunter in particular since the character recreation got the ilvl 44 staff (it is also a Nelf instead of a Human. Shadowmeld...) and the TBC socketed gear grinding is nearly done already, but it is stiil good news since it worked out when the odds looked grim.
Anyhow, this thread may be locked now as the issue is solved!