I've tested it (only at start in capital), indeed Abysia has same income and supplies with Growth3 than Death3, and a better income with Heat3 than 0.
With vanilla game settings I now suppose Death1 or 2 is a viable choice in order to boost Magic scale.
I fear that Death3, and Death2 with Cherryscales (that I use in all games, SP and MP) may still be dangerous in the long term.