It really is that simple. Most of my non-comic reading friends and family, well actually that's all of them, lol, are only into these things because some like Andrew and/or Emma or they like superhero movies in general cause they're entertaining, usually have cool action scenes and are overall fun movies to go see. My wife, for example, only knows what she knows about Spidey from what she's seen in the movies and what I've told her about the comics.
But after showing the trailers and spots to those aforementioned peeps, they asked things like...Is Electro a guy from the comics? When does Peter meet MJ? (from the wife) How many villains are in this? How many villains does Spider-man have in the comics? Who does Paul Giamatti play? etc. And lots more just like those. None of them are even slightly aware of Gwen's possible demise.
I know. I was making the sad face in an attempt to be humorous. I'm still working on the whole being funny thing...