I agree that many seem to have a narrow view of combat outcomes. I’ve seen in a couple of threads that Basic Roleplaying, for example, is described as a “lethal” system unless player characters get double the hit points. This is in spite of the game engine document stating that characters can surrender or flee from a fight. Granted, death is mentioned far more often in that document than surrender, and it’s a long document, so I’m not sure I can blame anyone for missing it. Fleeing is mentioned more frequently and there are several pages dedicated to chases.

I wonder how many tables would benefit from the game master simply asking players if they want to run away.