Maybe something like the Russian model makes more sense, if not legally. The most deterrent response is to hunt the kidnapers down and exterminate them, not pay them.
Sounds like a great way to get the hostages killed at the same time.
Maybe it would work _after_ the kidnappers have been paid.
But if the hostage takers are dead and other potential hostage taker know this, it would reduce the risk?
Which is great and all, except now your family member is dead, which I’m sure matters more to you than some game theory.
The result of which is everyone is at more risk, including your family in the future.
To the family members, it matters. From the viewpoint of the governement, I'd say it makes sense.