I think talking about final fantasy 11 detracts from an argument personally. I try not to bring that game up as a response to new ideas as much as possible. But I do feel a dragon for a Dragoon would be better as a "buddy" than a pet. It's a good compromise.
the other arguments about summoner and beast master (which arent even jobs yet) is a grey area. I still think it can be done the same way they are planning on doing "buddies" with chocobos in that example for 2.0. It just requires careful balancing.