Re: Loquat...
There's also many that think the death penalty is worse, hence why it's not as common as it used to be. I understand your point, and everyone sees that different I guess. I too think it's an easier fate for the person to be put to death, unless they are still enjoying life somewhat being in prison, which actually could be true in many cases.
As for different degrees of suffering in hell, can you just imagine even the lowest degree, complete separation from God, to be kept alive forever with no hope, in just darkness forever, with no end. And no one I've ever seen give some kind of description for eternal conscious torment says anyone will get off that easy by any means.
I've honestly never understood the rewards in heaven issue. We will be with Jesus Christ for all eternity! What more will some need or have besides that? But on flip side, to be eternally separated from God, who is the whole source of life, how much worse can it get? Some are more content than others whether in heaven or hell for all eternity? We will still be saying, "Well I wish I was that guy" in heaven, or "Man, I'm glad I'm not that guy" in hell?
But yes, we can go through all the human reasoning of all this, which would never end, but it's better to get back to just what the bible says on the issue.
Your view has just as many problems, and more in my opinion. Reminds me of the Arminians that think they have avoided all the major problems Calvinists have, and they are so blind to even more problems that they have. :)