Sky man, many moons ago, i posted a similar post on a thread asking abot hunting knives and why they were all small when they were needed to cut deer etc. most of my arguments were similar to yours and some of the senior members were kind enough to enlighten me. Back then i believe it was vikram who posted the video.
I had also put forward an argument about how a knife couldnt be used t make nalli-boti (cut bone with meat still around it.
And yes you are right, a small knife isnt as good as a cleaver for cutting bones. And a cleaver isnt as good as a bone saw. However a small knife can bleed, skin, quarter any game and cut the meat.
Hence my suggestion for sing it on a goat first. U had put up a post asking my opinion about which one would i recommend (from the list).
It would depend on the use. for eg:
1) field use
2) a piece of art
3) looks good
4) good for taking pics and posting on facebook/form/ bragging rights
5)an investment
6) just for the love of owning a blade
7) self defence
use in kitchen
9) use in competition(s)
etc etc
so it depends on what you want it for.