I think there should be something new added to classic!
Feature : Location : Opinion
Health-Counter : In-Game : Liquids(lava and water) damage Health primarily...health in hearts
I think a Health-Counter will be somewhat like beta, except no health/heart images.
Regarding SPAM, a counter will only pop up(telling you you lost 1 heart) and then fade within 5-10 seconds after you lose health, and therefore be a better solution than messages that don't fade away.