Softcore is not softcore

I don't have a problem with the XP loss. The other night I logged on with 74% towards level 77. I ran a couple maps and decided it was finally bed time. I was at 89% to level. I decided to push through to finish the map and got complacent. I died and went to bed with 74% to level again. I learned that I could have just had an extra hour of sleep! Instead, I traded it for a little bit of currency.

True story above, but honestly I don't think you should be able to progress if you keep dying. The 15% XP loss ensures that you are only going to proceed into the 80s if you deserve it. A level 80+ character, even in "softcore" shows dedication and no small amount of skill... that or it shows you have friends coat tails to hang on.