Raid groups?

[deftech]

I haven't been able to find any concrete information regarding the function of raid groups so I was hoping someone could clear this up for me. Is it possible to take a raid group into any instance? Or are they limited to 5 man groups only?

I understand that raid groups are needed for epic encounters like Onyxia and such, but do they allow for more than 5 guild members to participate in a normal instance?

Also what seems to be the most balanced group for instance runs? We've been running a melee heavy group in places like uldaman and zul'farrak with some dissapointing results. We would like to try using mages and warlocks but we're waiting for them to close the level gap.

Thanks for the help

[Straem]

There are instances and their are epic/raid instances, in regular instances if you take more then say 5 people, certain things dont drop. Like Quest items and such. I wouldnt be surprised if certain gear didn't drop as well.

[deftech]

Ok that helps a bit, thaks for the reply. What about instance levels as compared to character level? Should a group of 5 be able to run through an instance with equal or slightly higher level elites? Does anyone have a link to an instance list with level ranges?

[Ellestar]

Check http://www.worldofwar.net/cartography/worldmap/easterncont.php
and http://www.worldofwar.net/cartography/worldmap/kalimdorcont.php
Also, www.darkenbane.com site have WoW maps with a recommended lvls for instances.