That’s right, was a popular strategy.
You first capture 3 Tiny Harvesters in Westfall for catching the (preferably rare) Arcane Eyes at Karazhan, then use the Eyes to capture 3 rare Moths in Jade forest. Using these moths, catch Water Striders.
My way of leveling new pets back then was using a Cornish Rex and P/P Yellow Moth - (just a few silver each,) To level new pets against the water striders in a safe pool in the Vale, near the trainer there.