In a way, im kinda opposed to this idea being Canon.

A insanely huge part of what makes SAO... SAO... is the fact that people died. A large part of the story is based around the fact that, if you failed the game, you died. Kirito's entire life after SAO is entirely based around events in SAO; Coper, Diabel, Sachi, Laughing Coffin, then at the end, Asuna and then Himself.

Reki just going "Lol JK they are still alive, no big deal" (Except more Japanesey) would kinda... undermine everything. Id go back and rewatch the Anime or read the first books and go "All of this kinda doesnt matter now."

But beyond that, Reki likes killing people off, even outside SAO. The Deathrates in the following arcs are (mostly) smaller, sure, but theres still people dying. So i think itd be unlike Reki for him to just start saying "Nah, theyre 'right. Still alive in the internet, alls good." (Except more Japanesey.)