I think people are nervous because of what he wrote on tumblr (about the original DA2 expansion having a brutal ending for our favorite characters). Well, he is a great writer, and I take that with a grain of salt... If I had to deal with some of the nitpicky things I've seen some fans rage about online, I'd be kinda snarky and cynical too, lol.
It depends how heroic Solas needs to be. Or just how much redemption he is in need of. They might think only character death could do him justice. I just hope it's not super grim dark is all. I'm not a fan of nihilism.
That dlc did sound worrying,although what I wanted to say was that Mr Gaider isn't as sadistic as everyone makes him out to be.He's perfect at invoking the feels however,even though this doesn't always require tragedy.
As for Solas,I agree with you since I'm not a big fan of nihilism either.