"If a pilot dies it's everywhere. Why not for a pax, or are they somehow of less value "
Logically, if the pilot dies just after takeoff, it's kinda serious as he's supposed to be operating the aircraft (unless you're suggesting that pilots are redundant once airborne?).
If SLF opt to cease functioning early, it doesn't really affect the flight.
In that situation, pilots have more value, IMHO.
