I agree with PL, you do make an excellent point about how knowing the ending can significantly change your experience of the story, whether it be fic or another media. This is exactly why I wanted to ask people, because I have been wrestling with the same concern based on my reaction to an unexpected character death in a fic I read a few weeks ago. Such a fascinating scope of responses--thank you so much for taking the poll, I really appreciate it!

*hugs*