Those positions exist as "is this group alive? If not, play to kill" type problems

When you say alive, you switch colors and defend an attempt to kill

Sure, status problems exist, but I am talking about specific positions where a tesuji or line of play would work with a very slight change. The point being that it is easy to confuse the two. Memorization of moves is not enough. You have to be able to distinguish positions from each other.

_________________
The Adkins Principle:
At some point, doesn't thinking have to go on?
— Winona Adkins

Visualize whirled peas.

Everything with love. Stay safe.

You can make both of those different problems.

You can't cover everything, but you can't cover everything anyway. Even pros try tesuji that don't work.

That's why, when people make flash cards, or make a set of problem positions for computerized review, I advise that they also make cards with slightly different positions where the play does not work. That way they won't end up recognizing the problem position based on only some of its features. Doing so can lead to mistakes in actual games. I have seen that happen.

_________________
The Adkins Principle:
At some point, doesn't thinking have to go on?
— Winona Adkins

Visualize whirled peas.

Everything with love. Stay safe.