Scripture definitely doesn't imply Hades and the Lake of Fire are mere expressions of sentiment. Man was created body, soul and spirit. Upon sin, man existed in a state of separation from God spiritually, i.e. dead to God in the spirit.
Scripture as the Word of God, provides a written communication to the thinking processes of soulish man and to believers. This means unbelievers with only body and soul are being communicated with as well as believers with body soul and spirit.
There are many places in Scripture where places such as Hades and the Lake of Fire and three different categories of Heaven are discussed. Just as the ascension of our Lord Christ Jesus is discussed and his walking on water is discussed.
These Scriptural references aren't merely parables, but very well describe very real physical phenomenon and places by their syntax and grammar.
The Lake of Fire, might be better understood as a place reserved for those things judged by God to be simply 'good for nothingness' or 'PONEROS' in the Greek, rather than a prison or penal institution. God created those things that will end up in the Lake of Fire, but Scripture never says he takes existence out of their essence, rather he categorizing that essence in the Great White Throne Judgment.
Those who use the argument of 'love' frequently fail to discern the meanings of love as used in Scripture and the language of Scripture. Any sound argument using God's love might also best express His impersonal love for all mankind via his personal love for the Son. It also isn't very loving to place His believers in a place where unbelievers have created so much evil.
When studying Scriptural references to good and evil, it is onteresting to note the differences between divine good and human good.
There is only Divine good. Man cannot do good from himself - only evil.