I find this change extremely annoying. Having it forced upon us is pretty lame. How about some player options so we can set it how we want?
Personally I want births to still be a thing, but I don't want lords (mine or otherwise) to permanently die as the result of battle. Old age is fine, but still it would be better as optional.
And by optional not lumping them all under the same setting, and letting you toggle each setting to your liking.