Les Misérables question

No. The theme of this book is social injustice (which Hugo was a big proponent against, thus this book). I believe Hugo was generous compared to reality of the era in which this novel takes place. The deaths in this novel are realistic and necessary for plot movement. Without the death of Fantine, for instance, Valjean would not have rescued Cosette which in turn she would not have met Marius which in turn, he would have died not being rescued by Valjean. The mercy that Valjean shows Javert would not have taken place etc. The plight of these Miserables is not a happy one. Why would death be taken out of the equation? Plus, death is part of the Romantic period of writing. Unlike the way we veiw the phrase 'Romantic' today, that is not the case with the Romantic Period of literature.

Well, considering the huge unabridged version has what is supposed to be one of the best accounts of the Battle of Waterloo and its aftermath, I do not think a high body count can be avoided.

No. First of all if you read any other Victor Hugo novel you will see that Les Miserables had a high SURVIVAL rate in comparison (Marius AND Cosette). The main character always ends up dead, on the bottom of the ocean, in a mass grave or something equally unpleasant... At least Valjean died in a happy way...
The main action takes place in a barricade during a failed revolution, if the characters would not have died they would have all been imprisoned and that frankly would not have been very realistic...
All the characters lead miserable lives and most were better off dead. Being able to recuperate after prostitution, starvation, abuse and illness is quite a long shot..