This is why I strongly agree with this person’s idea:
If they had done something like this from the start, MM would retain the original hunter class fantasy while still being distinct from the other specs and having all the functionality of the new eagle mechanic, and people could still have an eagle if they wanted because it builds on the existing hunter pet system. I would actually be so happy if they scrapped the eagle and did this instead. Bonus points if they add a “stealth” glyph I’ve seen someone (I can’t remember who, I’m afraid) suggest that makes all the animal animations and effects invisible for Lone Wolf fans.