Regarding Lone Wolf - most MM hunters who wanted pets just didn’t take the Lone Wolf Talent that was offered high on the tree. That is what I meant. They didn’t force LW by taking away the pet and then making us take a Talent lower down to get it. First way did not cost a Talent point for something that has been integral to the class since Vanilla.
Regarding Barrage - which part are you saying is not true? MM is supposed to be the long range sniper and ranged attack spec with pet assist. BM relies on the pets and most of the focus is pet abilities. Survival is the only spec that the no pet makes sense for. Barrage is the best AOE for hunters. It, Volley, and Multi Shot are about the only AOE hunters get and they just took the highest target capability away. MM specialize in their weapons and attacks; BM specializes in pet abilities and commands; Survival specializes in traps and CC.