How about some scenarios? Scenario: Negotiations break down or are impossible, and the perp starts throwing bodies out the window. You gotta end it however you can. Scenario: Rookie sniper misses twice and kills hostages instead of the perp. Bad call. Scenario: Hostages are in an old folks home, and two die of old age while negotiations drag on... ??
He's right. You need to give us a little more. Who made the hostages dead, us or them? If it was them, the answer is obvious. If it was us, was it our mistake or did the hostages do something to draw fire, or did they get so excited that they put themselves in between us and the dirt bags? Overall, even if you save one you've done good. Enjoy!