I don't understand why you think factory farms are a "deflection". A better deflection is your equivalancy argument for animals that eat animals and those that eat plants. It seems well understood in America that plants are not sentient beings and are afforded a lower place on the scale. I believe they don't suffer upon death.

Nor do I understand why you denigrate me, and by extension, others who promote animal welfare. 

Here is my point: animals needlessly suffer so that humans can lead a destructive and unhealthy lifestyle. There is an easy healthy lifestyle alternative to end that suffering.