we have a population of 8 billion people. right now killing them [edit the cows] is necessary because people are eating them. price adjustments get people to eat them less, meaning less of them have to die. you take steps in the right direction, people voluntarily make the choices that get themselves eating less meat.

the world where people do not eat meat is a fantasy. you've got to realize that. however, giving the animals that will be eaten better lives and providing an economic framework that all but ensures fewer animals will be eaten, that's realistic.

Sure!

First off, it's not that these animals would live otherwise. They can't survive in the wild, the only reason they exist at all at this scale is because there is an economic incentive to keep them - namely, meat, eggs, milk etc. Would you rather have them live a short live or not even be born because their parents died in the wild?

Second, perfect is the enemy of the good. Most people won't stop eating meat no matter what you tell them, so, regardless of your stance, a push for more ethical farming is beneficial.