So, how do effects that take you out of play compare to killing the charicter?

I ask as often a long term take down means the villain no longer needs to kill the hero right now.
Lacking a take down shouldn't the villain just focus and kill instead?

I know its devils advocate here, but isnt dead worse then held/paralyzed/ ect?
Or do you want the gm to not take pcs out of combat including death?