Role playing isn't about lethal vrs non-lethal combat, either. It's about you developing a personality for your character. If you can't do that, it's not an RPG regardless of any other things the system may have for or against it.
I don't honestly mind if combat is always lethal or has other options. It has no real bearing on whether something is an RPG or not. Too much fighting is tedious regardless of surrender options, and it's variety and atmosphere I like to see.
Show me a world that could be real, let me develop the personality of my main character the way I want, and I'm happy <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
