Ianto could have been heading back to Cardiff with Gwen and Rhys to save his family, so Jack wouldn't have his support and understanding; thus making the burden all Jack's.

Ianto didn't have to die, period. He just must not fit in with RTD's grand plan for future Torchwood. He threw away all sorts of interested parties by knocking off Ianto, so it had better be AMAZING.

Not. Holding. Breath.