What is a normal stale share rate?

[triforcelink]

Would it be better than to donate 2.5% if I am receiving ~2% stales shares?
Rather than donate 0% and receive 2% stales?

In one case you're paying out 2.5% while in the other you're not getting (losing) 2% so yea, you're better off losing the 2% instead of the 2.5% unless you want to be a nice guy

[CNMOH]

I get 2.5% stales with Phoenix, mining at bitcoins.lc
Running a 5850.

[Lars]

I own 5850, 5970 and 6870 cards, and they all have about 1-1.2% stales, measured over several weeks of running.

[evlew]

my 4x) 5830 rig gets < 1% stales

my 2 4x) 6870 rigs get ~2%

all three rigs on btcguild