Yes... the process of leveling up in WoW prior to Cataclysm included numerous features that really slowed the speed. You do generally need to drink and WOW TBC Classic Gold eat following only a couple of pulls particularly in the beginning. Be cautious in avoiding dying too frequently. There was a leveling guide which claimed to get you to 60 (or 70 in the case of tbc) in 5 days /played (so 120 hours) and was thought to be quick. So yeah it's definitely time consuming.
This is the essence of classic... mana is crucial. This is not a near infinite dps bar like retail. This is what classic players like. Every mob should be in close proximity to the player controlling it and at least 70%. In reality, (played through the entire the classic) TBC seems WAY easier and less punishing due to mana regen and mob damage. Even leveling seems easier to me
It's a dumb question, but, did you receive a hunter trainer quest pet? Hunter is the easiest class to reach. It's also the simplest to get started playing the game. If your pet is unable to withstand the rage, perhaps it's okay. Keep in mind that if your pet is struggling, don't take it on. You'll end up aggravating your pet. There's a certain rhythm for killing mobs on your own and you must feel it. It could be slow, but it's how it is it's impossible to complete anything fast in WoW unless you employ certain techniques like dungeon boosting, which I wouldn't recommend to players who are completely new to the game.
Another comment I made was that I would not recommend this to anyone unless they're experienced players who can immerse themselves into RPG's without having to rush to reach level cap. However, from what you've said it's not like you are one of those, so like I and many others suggested, you should check out the addon Questie I'm sure you will be able to learn on how to install it.
The guide can also be used for hunters who want to level. Although it's geared towards higher levels than you I felt it was worth a look. It is possible to find valuable information about class concepts, and possibly modify it to meet your requirements. At the very least get an idea of how it works in higher levels if go through the guide following the introduction.
It's not that it's hard it's just that you need a lot of PATIENCE. Except for specific classes or build that you are able to pull one mob at a in a perfect manner, from a distance and into a safe spot where you won't aggro anything else. In case you are struck by another creature be sure that your class has all the tools necessary to pull it off. Although killing one mob can take about a minute, you will need to attack on auto and cheap Burning Crusade Classic Gold mainly avoid afk since there's no other option available, that's what some people enjoy. This game is really really REALLY slow paced.