I do think the point about everything going to waste is a good one. Even for shock value, would a writer really not care this badly? The whole thing is just strange.
If the goal was a convincing (presumed) death, they did it. But the dilemma is how Beth would survive. Thinking she got shot in the head, the group won't likely put a knife through her temple. Then there's the Dr. who, although was a coward, liked Beth enough to save her. That is if they don't bury her
Still, why was the reunion so strange?
I can't get over Beth's death scene. Could you imagine being EK reading that script?