IF you join a normal group/raid you will use your scout pet (for damage) or your fire pet (for damage). these are the groups that get most xp and get items. all classes need to be wanted in these groups. im sorry but i wouldnt tank for a group with my earth pet just cause it would be extremely painful for everyone involved and id rather spend an extra hour finding a real tank. yes i have tried that. claiming that switching pets is utility in groups is akin to claiming that a berserker can switch between spears for piercing damage and swords for slashing is utility. you could even claim that wizards have the same 'offtanking' utility by being able to root mobs (just like us). oh wait they have a mez too, i forgot.