Thank you for your feedback, I'm happy you recognized the game! I remember wasting hours on it when I was a kid.
I know about the 50-50 chance problem, but unfortunately I don't have any idea how to solve it right now (it's due to how the grid is generated). I'm trying to work on it, anyway.
About the lives system, I made it to make the game less punishing, and thus more enjoyable for the average user.
Of course, though, I'll take your comment into consideration. Maybe, if there are more people who want the feature to be removed, I'll change it.
Thanks again for the feedback, and I hope you'll enjoy playing!