Wild life or pets?

[marionsclan]

So something someone had said in one of the forums made me think about the 'pet' status of reptiles. Most people seem to agree that they only should be handled a few times a week, at the most or if at all. And that's where my thought process begins.

I own animals for companionship and they are therefore my pets. I Like to hold them, interact with them, and make sure they are happy. If I cannot hold them or interact with them (Fish are different, obviously) then I prefer them to be and stay in their natural habitat instead of some plastic bucket.

Now I know that some of you think that snakes should be observed rather than being handled and watching them out in their own environment would be the best place for that because they act naturally. But having snakes confined, even when trying to replicate their natural environment, will stunt some of their natural instincts and they won't behave like they would out in the wild.

So why keep them and not handle them instead of making them your pet? You already chose to take them in from the wild which automatically means that the snake needs to adjust to an 'artificial' environment and will behave differently. And because they already have to adjust why not help them become a pet that can be handled w/out stressing over it?

Again, I'm looking for input, personal opinions, etc., but no flaming. Thanks!