Will an elemental shamans dps ever compare to that of a "pure dps class" like a warlock or mage. I can do over 4k which i dont think is that bad, but it looks really ****** when u see locks pullin like 6-7k on some bosses.
There are alot of factors to consider when DPS'ing....playstyle, spec, gems, rotation, gear, etc. Just because some skilled Locks can pull 6-7k that you've run into doesn't mean that the pure DPS classes are better than hybrids.
Also, do not forget the "dps through others" you bring to the table with your totems and Heroism for example! You up all of your raids' damage by quite some just by being there with them and dropping some glowing sticks... Not to mention the additional threat a tank can do by those buffs.
The short answer? No. Elemental shaman can make a very solid contribution to dps (as can enhancement) but you're always going to be trailing behind an equally geared and equally skilled pure dps class on the meters. As mentioned, consideration has to be given to everything else we bring to a raid which, Heroism being the most significant. The changes to Fire Nova totem will help elemental shaman a lot on the AoE department if they can break themselves of the notion that being a caster means they always stand at range but for single target dps I wouldn't exactly beat yourself up for not topping the meters every night ;D
In some fights... we can HEAL. heheh. It will cause your DPS down the meter table to drop A LOT but it can mean your raid can bring one less healer. (i.e. over DPS increase).
e.g. Twin Valkyrs.... chip in a few chainheals when the orbs go crazy. Rest of the time, there isn't a lot of healing required. Or during Ulduar XT's tantrums.