firstly, Im glad you have an opinion if there wasn't a devils advocate then there would be no controls in society, also i respect your opinion. I have many close friends who also believe the same reasoning you do, which is totally fine.

You wanted a rebuttle so here's my opinion: I believe keeping animals is a form of higher learning. Many city kids don't have the priviledge of seeing real animals close up. Aquariums and zoos are the only access and educational facilities around them. I for one cannot have a fuzzy pet. Leos are the only convient and healthy choice for me.
Of course no one enjoys seeing an animal mistreated, but when you hear of public outcrys and animal cruelty that means people know, they are educated and want to protect animals.
I think that itself is a step for the "superior" human; to me it shows responsibilty.
The leopard geckos in particular that we see and buy today are NO LONGER imported from the wild, or at least very rarely because itd be a stupid idea - parasites, etc. The geckos that are available have been captive breed (especially the big name breeders) for 10 years now. There is no ecological strain on wild populations. The geckos we have here are pampered to the extreme, they have no predators, nor will they starve. People have been keeping them for so long that all there needs can be met. There is also no evidence that lizards require "freedom" along with "love".
I personally don't agree with mega morph breeding but you've got to admit they're damn cool looking geckos, which shows the amazing genetic variety that these animals possess. When young kids are breeding their own leos that's a whole experience and education that schools could never provide. For some it will teach responsibilty, business skills, and open new doors. I'd rather see a kid interesting in Leos than Oggling over Britney spears.
Anyhue this is far too long, peace

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