So glad I found this post. Been Affliction since TBC and yes, it is possible to make a silk purse out of the Sow's Ear we were handed by Blizzard. It takes an understanding of the spec, enough AP in your weapon, and luck with gear drops and it will all start falling into place. It was Ilvl 860 when it all fell together for me. My guild are hardly bleeding edge raiders, but moving from the top 10 to the top 5 in DPS over 1 weekend was wonderful to see. If you love Affl, just stick with it and keep plugging it will pay off in the end.
I'm running a Mastery > Haste ( to 20%) > Cri