Well sadly no where in the text does it say bear helps to resist physical damage from drain.

Of course it does not say it doesn't either it just says physical damage which could be read all physical damage but drain.

Which is the issue here none of the mentor spirits have anything that says yea or nay to drain.

None give any advantages or disadvantages to drain which leads to this idea:

Example +2 to spellcasting +2 to spirits of beast ok so you cast a spell all spells have drain there is no choice in this you must roll for drain so it is a side effect of casting a spell thus the idea of gaining the bonus from the mentor spirit.

Just my 2 nuyen's worth I have this question in with the powers that be to see what their take is on it and I think one of my players also e-mailed this question in to them so for now I'll just have to wait and see.

I am thinking it'll be left as a GM's call thus allowing for the difference in GMing styles.

Though you are correct because of the way it is written, I would have to disagree. Given the flavor of Bear, I believe that they just forgot to say "+2 to Body for damage resistance tests," like they do for Bone Lacing and Bone Density Increase.

As for the question of the topic at hand:
"A magician gains bonus dice when acting or using Sorcery or Conjuring skills in accordance to the mentor’s ideals." (SR4 192)

Even though the statment just says Sorcery or Conjuring skills, I believe the flavor would allow the dice to also assist toward drain, meaning the bonus dice would act pretty much like Focus dice without breaking the rules in any sense.

But I do think that the "in accordance to the mentor's ideals" should not be overlooked. These bonus dice only come into play when you are doing just that.

I also think that a Weapon Focus' dice pool could be used for both offense and defense, even though it only speaks of using it for attacks in SR4. It's all about the "flavor." And then, it's all about what you think, since the rules are just guidelines.

I'd disagree with that. It is precisely because of the way it is written that I'd say that it does give the bonus.

LOL. Timely and extensive errata releases? Synner, are you listening to this?

The only Errata about Spellcasting Foci is this ...

I believe the clarification is in reference to the specific category limitation (which was missing in the original printing). If you remove the ability of Spellcasting Foci to be used for Drain, they are almost useless when compared to even low level Power Foci, as this power is the one thing Power Foci do not add their dice to. They cost way too much (at least in Bonding cost) to be totally outclassed by something that doesn't cost all that much more.

Personally, I think the Errata needs an Errata.

Especially considering the limit of one roll, one focus. If you have a power focus the only thing you use your spellcasting foci for is resisting drain.