She would not have been beaten to death. They split the lashes punishments into as many sessions as needed for the person to survive. So instead of 74 lashes at once (guaranteed death), she'd have to take like 15 lashes 5 times.

Very considerate. I was beginning to think they're cruel.

It's ~1.5 times the average monthly salary in Tehran. Comparable sum in NYC would be ~9-10k USD

The state media would paint her paying the fine as an act of submission to the law and the government, as a "proof" that she is a coward who doesn't stand by her beliefs.

It's an attempt to discredit the rebels, basically like a Russian practice of forcing troublemakers to record an "apology" video under the barrel of a gun (just outside of frame).

Is 74 lashes likely to cause death?

"Cake or death" was supposed to be humor, not real life.