That could be a legit reveal. If Kishi would just let Gai die >_>
While I agree and think gai dying might be the best move, as long as gai doesnt survive the 8th gate with no side effects, then im fine with it.
I will be fine if he is very disfigured, or a cripple and unable to do taijutsu anymore, or rapidly ages into a old man(this could be the best solution...as gai wouldve given up his springtime of youth.
I will point out that it never was said that a 8th gate user will die even if given medical attention. It was just said that the user would die(meaning no way to just tough it out on their own) (meaning if hashi went 8th gate he could not live by himself.)
There have been manythings kishi has done that has upset many people. He never got me upset really. But if he has guy just get up after a few chapters and fight, despite useing 8th gate, then I will be upset.
just my opinion.