It's probably going away for various reasons. In reality this game is just not as "hardcore" as an actual MMORPG. The penalty death will be mitigated to something else. Probably gold. And for the masochists out there, I think hardcore mode will fill the gap for people that want to take the big risks.

But... Its like one of those things at high levels that pisses you off, and makes you work harder to get through that level The only thing I spend money on is upgrades so I wouldn't really feel bad if I lost money.

Hardcore is going to be hilarious. I can't wait to see the posts, where people loose gear because they pulled to much, or go afk, and they hadn't gone to the bank in a while. Can't wait.