I deliberately aggro the mobs all the time, as a gatherer, and away from a node. I get spanked once, then they turn their attention to my rank 20 bird. While he proceeds to pound the crap out of these high ranking mobs, I just waltz off and hit the node, no stealth necessary. Then I'll go back and help my bird finish the mob off. Other people see this and skip stealth too, then often join in the fun. Revenge of the miners!