Death is a big part of character growth. Since this is a virtual game and we do not suffer actual damage to ourselves in person, death is the only way we can learn what to do and what not to do. Without a fear of death, without that danger element, the game becomes boring, even more so than it is now. It's like closing your eyes or not even bother looking at the screen and just keep pressing one button and beat the game that way, kinda like crafting now.

It's also a big part of the adventure element in the game. Running around exploring places with high level monsters, doing your best to not get caught, that is a lot of fun. Why? Because it is dangerous and because you could die. The whole time you are sweating, stressed, twitching, and hoping that you make it because it is a lot of work wasted if you just ended up dying. It gets you excited. It's the reason people watch horror movies. Without much of a death penalty, sure you can still explore just not quite as thrilling. You could care less if you lived or die because you can just teleport there and walk that short distance again. Without pain, without suffering, we would not need heroes in the world.

Oh, if you are wondering why I haven't responded to this thread since this morning, it is because I actually played the game, had a linkshell party, and had a lot to do, which is more than what I can say for people who roam this forums all day long who doesn't even play the game but seems to have a lot of opinions about it.