RE: Is the Ruger 204 Big enough for Whitetail
Well a 22 mag is used to slaughter beef and buffalo so I suspect a 204 in the right spot of the head would also get it done...however the margin of error at feet is not really a factor of lets say 50-100 yards on a wild animal with either 20 or 22 cal. An old trapper claimed to harvest all his moose and elk with one well placed 22LR right behind the ear the distance couldn't be more than 30 yards to him but no one could tell him he was unethical or insane (which he was both IMPO).
For the sake of the question asked no I don't think a 20 or 22 cal is a suitable Deer caliber. I know many will claim that they work fine with the right placement, etc but that is not my opinion.
Ethics are personal guys I too try to push my beliefs when I hear or see something I don't quite agree with but it is like blow smoke up a monkey's arse...always end up with the stinky end but you must do what you feel compelled to do!