I'm glad we can agree that it's an opinion. In your opinion it's not necessary. In mine, it is.
For me, new and interesting experiences have more to do with lore, exploring landscapes and dungeons, and the visual appearances of said monsters. I'm more intimidated by fangs, claws and sheer size and seeing something that tells me it's a level 100 boss with skull/crossbones and stay away, will eat you for lunch. The fun part doesn't come from approaching it and seeing if it rips my face off or not. Death =/= fun.
Despite the fact that I haven't played FFXI in four years, it instilled in me a great fear of death due to losing XP and possibly deleveling. I don't like being terrified of the unknown all the time, otherwise I'd go play a game with world PvP.
But everybody has a different playstyle. =)
It's becoming obvious that the only way to make everyone happy on this point is to make it an option. Options are good.