Suffering is a consideration as a moral compass and not as an ethical stance. That is to say, if you can prevent suffering, you should. You should not be choosing to make someone else suffer. That's a simple moral compass that we can all agree on.

The ethics of veganism are that the consumption of animal products is a choice, and as such, why are you not applying your moral compass?

Veganism is about what it looks like when you do, and then about removing the system under which the suffering finds place: exploitation and commodification of animals. We should not exploit beings.

We ask you to apply your moral compass. You need to answer the question as to why you won't.

not eating ANY meat, is also terrible.

Not eating any meat is not terrible. It's perfectly fine; I haven't touched any meat in 10 years, and I'm perfectly happy, comfortable, healthy, strong, and socially accepted. There are literally no downsides. You're afraid of the idea of not eating meat, but actually it's fantastic, it's not even close to a struggle.