Well, it’s not really losing her life, it’s just being transformed from one living thing (a pony) into another living thing (a tree). No life-threathening situation.
 
Besides, Flutters said it herself: “I’d like to be a tree.”

…you have a point if you’re talking about fandom reaction.

@RandomBronyND
 
Also, the later episode was leaked. that’s been a surefire way of drastically diminishing interest in a episode this season.

what?

If show, then iirc only Twi knew about Flut  
If fandom, I don’t really know why, but I feel it’s obvious people would care more for an alt mane

In the show or the fandom?

I think people were more focused on the story logic of the Mane Magic than on her actual mane. Fair point about Fluttershy nearly dying, though. That was pretty hardcore.
 
Edit: are you talking about the characters in the show, or the fanbase?

Nice try but when she got sick she was only with Twilight…

I don’t get it.