It must be gamiefied.
That is 100% accurate.
But it doesn’t have to be done in the way it is.
Changing it now is a horrible idea from a game/business point of view.
But if a fresh start were to happen quick healing could be gated behind corruption.
Corrupted Vitality for the immediately heal back a portion of damage.
Consuming tinctures, not of aloe, but of demon blood or doing a line of powder of corruption, could healing even as it taints.
Suddenly there is a real incentive to look at corrupted builds, lower max HP, but it comes back faster could be a balance point, depending upon other factors.
And it fits with genre that you must always confirm the kill on the dark practitioner.