Quote Originally Posted by Azuresun View Post
5e is popular, ubiquitous and also a really good RPG in its own right.

Hit points are a really good damage system, and there's a reason why they endure as RPG's with more "realistic" damage systems come and go.
On the other hand, there is nothing inherently wrong with a death spiral. Issues generally come from not giving a big enough buffer, and forcing characters suffering significant penalties to continue on. If you're damaged enough to be taking penalties you should probably be avoiding battle.

On other words, CofD did the death spiral much better than oWoD did (penalties only kick in if you're going your last few health boxes, and most supernaturals have at least a limited ability to get better once they leave combat).