Wait, is this a tacit admission that the “internet-fueled view” of the beast master as underpowered has merit? It comes across as you recommending players avoid BM and play another class or ranger subclass and have a pet anyway. I'm recommending that you pursue whatever thing in the game will do the best job of delivering the play experience you desire. If you just want a pet, there's no reason to base your class/subclass choice on that.

— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) July 31, 2018