From a DM's perspective should the entire party to survive the final dungeon? Or is having a few casualties acceptable so long as they finish it?
it depends heavily on the players
Depends on the players, the setting and the style of story you're telling.
Personally, I prefer everyone reaching the end of the story. That doesn't mean they don't struggle to get there, but personally I always feel like death is a boring consequence for failure. It's the end of the story, rather than leading to having to deal with failure or loss of something.
>>51337484
What's the point of having hit points then?
>>51337501
To determine success or failure in a particular encounter. Hitting zero is a failure state and if everyone is taken out then whatever they were trying to achieve, protect or whatever is forfeit. The story goes on, but in a negative direction in terms of the players goals.
>>51337501
if the players reach 0hp, it should be due to the players making a mistake not because the DM wants drama or plot
>>51337459
I love Pyrrhic victories, but that doesn't mean your players will. Be careful and know what the people in your group like.