Hmm. I don't think Asuma is 'fodder'. I think he was incredibly unlucky to get an enemy who is immortal. His death is more a reflection on what happens when you face the unknown, when you don't have all the information.
... when the enemy has the advantage, and no you.
Not everyone has Naruto's luck, lol. Hidan isn't a great fighter, not really - but when you can be decapitated and still live, that's not really an issue. Especially when you factor in Kakuzu.
They took out Yugito Nii so that has to count for something, an elite jonin jinchuriki from Cloud.
Plot wise it had to happen - for Shikamaru's development and for the sake of some sort of... realism. Shinobi die all the time, and Leaf-nin should be no exception.
