You're likely correct. I'm looking at that scene in hindsight.

Perhaps their intention was to never get us to think that Daryl was dead at all. Dwight's reassurance supports that, clearly.

However, and I still have these thoughts, I keep thinking that scene would have had more of an impact if Daryl were to be should in the head versus the shoulder as a consequence of him being reckless and risking his life for the sake of emotional revenge. I understand he's human, and he has a right to be very upset over Denise's death, but he is still someone who should have enough practical sense not to put himself in harm's way. Had he not done that, Glenn, Michonne, and Rosita would have never gotten caught, and they'd be back in Alexandria, safe (again, this is in hindsight, which stems from my frustration with some of these characters decisions). If he were to die right there, it would have given it more power. However, he's a fan favorite - they're not going to do that, no matter how much he had it coming.

This is my own personal gripe.