Author's Notes: The idea that Richard should die a hero came right after seeing Superman Returns for the first time. It seemed to me that Lois could only fall for a hero and for Richard to leave in a huff or turn jealous or evil (as other fan writers have done) seemed out of character. Richard dying in a simple auto accident or a premature heart attack, or even being murdered by someone who wanted vengeance against Lois, was too 'simple' and denied him his inherent heroism. (He went back to rescue Superman, knowing the chances of success were remote. He was willing to risk not only his own life but Lois and Jason for the greater good – saving Lois's former love so Metropolis could be saved. He risked everything to save Superman and you know within that decision he knows he has, most likely, lost Lois as well.)
So Richard dies the hero he is and both Lois and Clark and everyone at the Daily Planet must deal with those consequences. Richard's shade will always be in the background.
People have commented at the number of people I've let in on Kal-El's secret. In this version Batman may exist, but there is no JLA (yet). Superman does not have an obvious support system (In SI & II, there's no evidence he even talks to Ma Kent, although communication is implied by the fact that he sends her money.)
In the movies, it's fairly evident that Kal-El thinks of himself as being alone, having to tackle things alone. I wanted to show that in many ways he was doing himself and humanity a disservice. That the people who care about both Clark and Superman are capable of seeing beyond the façade and can act as a support team. He doesn't have to do everything by himself, and being adults, they can keep a secret and respect his privacy.