FK, a little history will tell you that life on earth for early Christians was not what it is to our society which is in love with the world. Being martyred was an honor for the earliest followers of Christ. You are interpreting John's longevity as a "reprieve" and a reward.
I don't think that's really where I was going. My only point was to give one small piece of further evidence toward the consistency of the view that Jesus had half-siblings, as opposed to step-siblings or "other" cousins. I was saying that the thing about martyrs is that they're dead. :) Therefore, they cannot take care of other people to the extent a non-martyr can, etc. It's not a slam dunk by itself, just one piece that fits. That's all.
I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas! :)
Likewise.