I am just basing this off my own personal observations. When people do half deads on the smith machine or free weight half deads people tend to go into excessive flexion with their back. The back going into flexion is the most common way a disc herniation occurs. When people do a regular from the floor dead lift since they use their legs they tend to have a more neutral spine. Plus they also use more of the leg musculature to get the back into extension vs using just the erectors of the back to produce this movement which to me is safer for the lower back because in effect you are causing less stress in that area.
I actually see no problem with half deads but just be aware of your form especially when you get fatigued. Which I am sure you do anyway just want for those out their reading this to be aware of the possible risk, cause a disc herniation is no joke for sure.
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