I'm on the "magic" boat, as in, I do think Spells are a good part of the Ranger class and a perfect source of utility abilities (and damage improvement) that "makes sense".
However I think "animal companion as magic" is a terrible idea... For me it just make no sense and isn't Ranger-y, plus it's not cool fluff-wise.
Also, any spell created must take into account that the Bard could (and most likely would) exploit it.
So, for me, animal companion is an ANIMAL companion. It's not a bonded by magic pet nor a spirit that acts only a few times a day.'
However I think "animal companion as magic" is a terrible idea... For me it just make no sense and isn't Ranger-y, plus it's not cool fluff-wise.
Also, any spell created must take into account that the Bard could (and most likely would) exploit it.
So, for me, animal companion is an ANIMAL companion. It's not a bonded by magic pet nor a spirit that acts only a few times a day.'