I respect your opinion and understand and agree with your position that just because the ancients did it, modern practitioners should too. You're very right in pointing out that we don't live in ancient times anymore. That said, what is your thought around the lack of relevance of this type of sacrifice in the contemporary world?
I think the visceral reaction comes from the idea of taking a human life and, even in effigy, replicating that practice today. Barring someone breaking through my house and trying to hurt my family, I don't
ever think it would be right for me to kill someone, and the idea of offering that death to the gods just doesn't sit right with me. It's even more disturbing to think of the gods (especially today) accepting that sort of gift.