I agree and that is why it's always presented in that fashion....you have to appeal to man's love of himself and make it seem beneficial to him or the animals will keep on suffering the consequences.
I posted what I did here as I am involved with rabbits and the other small animals that people view really as nothing more than disposable pieces of trash and it bugs me more I can express to anyone or anywhere....however I felt those here would understand as you had also stated, we are the converted....in my public voice mind you, I have to veil my real intentions and always make sure I do, as you had mentioned to appeal to man's self interest ;-)
If I went forward with how I really felt about it at the most basic level, the unconverted public would no doubt be offended and then the small animals would lose out even further in the end.
Lisa
Small Animal Rescue Society of BC