In regards to Gears 5, I pic to save JD life over Del’s because I found the aftermath to be a solid way for some closure between him and Marcus since they were still a bit estranged in the beginning. Them hugging it out was heartwarming and bittersweet. Besides, JD didn’t had...
....much of a role in the game, aside from supporting character. Del on the other hand, had much to do and I found his death to be more authentic and it was a way of patching up the wounds between JD and Kait.
....And him dying after somewhat patching things up with JD was heartbreaking for me but fit well, as opposed to JD, which I feel was random and left plot holes with Marcus, and Kait.