The scene where he lets Belle go would still be effective because he's still losing the only one he loves.

I feel stupid... I don't understand the question..?

^ Like if Beast hadn't known that earning Belle's love would lift the curse, would it have been a better message.

I never thought of it but now that you mention it, it would be great!
I like the way the movie turned out too, but I figured maybe having him not knowing that learning to love someone would lift the curse, would make him not be needy. But I still find the scene where he let Belle go really effective.

It's the same actually, he can't force himself to love, so it doesn't matter if he knows it's the countercourse or not

yes and no. sometimes i wonder if he actually fell for belle for her or just to find someone to fit the bill. the beast had no perks except for being himself, i mean he doesn't even have looks(not that it matters) belle had good looks and the curse-breaker thing going for her.