@MerricB There is a lot more attachment to characters in today's play styles, I think. When folks bring a 3 page backstory and expect to be near superheroes in 5e, for example, they really don't want to have serious long term consequences that don't fit their preconceived notion of how their character progresses.
@Tim_Eagon@CatDad There's always been a split in how players approach D&D. Some want more weight on PC backstories and continuing play, while others are all about defying risk (for a bit, at least) and death is part of the fun.