There's also the aspects of food as a culture or social participation. People want to be able to participate in things like BBQs or eat out at restaurants with friends.
I think even vegans/vegetarians have to acknowledge they are killing plants to eat. I suspect the better for environment/health argument is more prevalent (why I eat little meat).
At some point somethings going to have to die to feed yourself (until we can gene edit photosynthesis into humans..). I take some consolation that I'll be feeding bacteria when I'm gone.
so I wondered why it's a no brainer that plants are ethically ok to kill and eat but species closer to us aren't.
Anyone who's dealt with animals or pets sees intelligence and Personality. So it's easy to have empathy and want to let them live (especially if they're cute and docile). Nobody likes killing animals if unnecessary (for the most part, I never understood hunting for sport). Factory farming doesn't leave a pleasant feeling either.
But there is a trend of getting protein from bugs.. and I'm wondering were that fits into people's thinking.
It's more of a thought experiment than anything.
Idle thoughts from a species on top of the food chain with ample calories available that is the steward of the planet (and not doing too well)