Looks like many people here cant read whole discussion, just first post. And even there op stated, that it would NOT be sacrifice.
Dont twist what OP really suggested!
+++Many hunters suggested pet as guardian, bird on shoulder, pet spirit.. suggestions that wouldnt counflict with lore. Not at all!
Pet could stay near hunter, following on pasive, giving some raidbuff and some cooldowns like stampade, masters call.. etc.. long cd not standart rotation.
If that makes hunters happy, why not? Why cant we have ranged spec whitch depends on bow and arrows/gun and bullets while pet always looks after us, just not with with claws and tooth in flesh! Like a guardian!
Noone asks for bloody ritual. Havent seen anyone who ask for something u mentioned.. wtf are you talking about?