Sorry for the update delay! Honestly been taking a break from PMC, but I'm gonna try to update everything now :)

I think the reason why Mojang decided to make the Recovery Compass drop only on dead was to "balance" things, having already something that keeps your inventory because it avoids death is already good on it's own and very Overpowered. Just like they did with the "Notch" Apple or Enchanted Golden Apple, back then, it was the most broken thing in Minecraft, you eat one and you're literally invincible. Not now though. I think what Mojang thinks is that players will reach a point where they get a really good gear, being iron enchanted armor or diamond armor, and expect you to get the Totem of Undying when you're well equipped. With that gear, you don't take much damage from Vindicators, and the bite entity thing summoned by the Evoker is easily avoidable if you don't just gather a bunch of vindicators. The Evoker alone is pretty easy to beat with the mentioned gear, Vexes can be annoying, but just like a wasp, they are not a threat. So following that, they have the expectation or point of view that the player has this totem already because, let's admit it, Woodland Mansion now is easier compared to the Dark City because of the Warden. Vindicators alone do a lot of damage but with the appropriate gear their damage can be treated. The Warden on the other hand does massive damage even with Netherite Protection 4 on. Assuming that you've made it to the Woodland Mansion and got a Totem that means that even if the Warden kills you, you will survive if you're smart enough to get away from the Warden. With that you then get another powerful item which is the compass.

I believe this is their point of view, I might be wrong, but it's what I believe it should be expected. That may be the reason why Mojang decided to make the Recovery Compass an only drop item on death. But, it's a snapshot so who knows if that changes in the future.

I agree