[quote=@Ruby]
Far as I'm understanding it, any final death=ash. 

Anything less results in torpor. 

I'd say the "red mist" of Bloodlines was simply videogame artistic flair. 
[/quote]

There is no right or wrong answer, but more about what makes sense for the story and to add a bit of logical to an otherwise illogical subject. So, if we go the route of "Final Death = Ash/Dust" then perhaps make it more of a "slow burn" for a dramatic feel. Although I also liked the idea of younger vamps degrading at a much slower pace than an Elder, as essentially their true age catches up with them as they quickly turn to dust.

In any case, food for thought, but I'm down for whatever the verdict is.