For clarification I was suggesting general misfortune, not death.
Agree with ya on that point Tristan. I've managed to have my share of crashes at public hire kart tracks, Which most would concider a relatively safe environment. Couple related to the maintainance of the karts, and a couple related to mixing racers from the local motorsports club with the general public.
When I can afford to take a car to track days I plan on making sure it's a car that I can afford to crash. You never want to, but it's a reality you might as well plan for.
Back to topic: Nomenclature aside, with most racing wheels achieving little benefit or little demerit in relation to thier peers, what other criteria drive the factory teams choices on wheels (or decisions made when designing thier own)? One would suppose aesthetic compliment to the shape and livery of the car would play into it.