I've often told people in my rants about book 7 that if Severus HAD to die it should have *meant* something. While this is very sad it means something when he dies... he causes the victory (he isn't just a way to own a bloody wand!) Severus deserved that sort of send off.
I admire your brave Severus and very much enjoy reading this variety of him. I do prefer him to emerge unscathed but it is somewhat a hazard of his strength and bravery that he goes into danger.