I disagree. That's your opinion. Why is it that people can come to the conclusion of "I'd rather see him rot to death in a jail cell than the benefit of a quick death". This line of thinking views death as a lighter punishment when contrasted against a lifetime in prison.

Yet when the tables are turned suddenly suicide is viewed with such disdain?

I'm not advocating suicide or anything, I'm just arguing that when faced with an immensely harsh sentence, it's not a surprising decision to reach.