Question to ask yourself.
Why did pet die to elite?
-Did I kept it growling at it and not alternating between pet and my characters?
-Did I not properly use the kitting strat with my pet?
-Did I think my pet was a tank as strong as the player class?
If you play the hunter at the very basic level of it, then yes… I can see this change hurting people that does.
However, proper usage or traps, kiting, etc … your pet will not die.
Take note that elite aren’t really supposed to be something you solo. Yes some class will have easier time / tools to do so… but they were designed to be something to taken with a team / ally.