I don't think I've ever enjoyed a character death. Even when the GM tried to run 'pringlized' games. It just felt like abuse.
it is all in the attitude and reason for game-mastering. If your reason for gming so that everyone has an enjoyable time. if you keep an attitude that your there to foster their creativity.
most of your problems smooth out. everybody likes those kinds of games and they are a pleasure to gm.