There was an online text based game I use to play years ago called Phantasia 4. In it, you chose a class and basically moved out into the world fighting monsters and discovering treasures. You only had one life, but if you went to a high enough level and high enough areas, you may find a ring that will let you be revived if you die once. The joy in this game was that you felt a deeper connection with your character since you didn't want them to die. And you sort of had a "high score" mentality in that you tried to survive as long as you can, and if you died, you simply try to get back to that level and see if you can exceed it. It was loads of fun and sadly it's no longer active. Permadeath can be okay, but I think it's more for people who like the challenge. If permadeath is going to be in a game, there needs to be proportion of greater rewards for those who do survive to higher levels.