You realize Ace would have never been the memorable character he is if he didnt die right?
He's in 2 chapters of Alabasta, 1 chapter after Jaya, and 2 chapters after Enies Lobby. That's it. 90% of his major scenes are in Impel Down, Marineford and Luffy's flashback.
The REASON he's so beloved is because of the fact that he died and his very famous death scene in 573. "Thank you for loving me" is quite literally still the most powerful thing One Piece has ever done, followed by Whitebeard's rage and death.
I do not agree at all lol.