Classic Who Meta: tragic vs optimistic companion fates
(Delayed post is delayed. Sorry, it was finals week!) =(
The writers of New Who keep insisting that being the Doctor's Companion is dangerous because the Doctor destroys lives. And it's certainly true that some of the Doctor's Companions, both in Classic Who and New Who, have suffered sad fates. But, by the same token, quite a number have gone on to accomplish things that made their world (or dimension, or galaxy) better. Which do you prefer and why? Are there any tragic fates that bother you or that you don't feel comfortable with? Conversely, are there any good endings for Companions that strike you as too optimistic? And are there any Companions whose fates weren't specified (or at least weren't described in much detail) that you'd like to see onscreen?
(Thanks to gehayi for this week's topic! Have an idea for a topic, too? Submit it here!)