Some say it has to be stuffed to be a sausage.
Without the salt argument, I adhere more to the ground and seasoned school of thought.
What is wrong with bulk "country sausage" , sausage patties, bulk Italian, pepperoni without the skin? Who could argue with that? Heck, I wouldn't mind placing a terrine or pate in there with other forcemeats. What about a plain old meatloaf? Close enough for me, but purists would rebel!
Good luck and good smoking.