Abstract Intent-based networking (IBN) is a natural trend in communications networks with increasing automation levels. IBN provides an intermediate layer that abstracts complex engineering rules from the operator, interpreting high-level business intents and translating them into network configurations. Although IBN has received considerable attention for packet and wireless networks, the research in the field of optical IBN is still in its early stages of development. Indeed, the examination of optical-layer survivability as an intent criterion has not been explored yet. Recently, we showcased an intent-based survivability system built around a failure management module (FMM) connected to a network digital twin (NDT). In this paper, we expand upon this initial work by detailing the FMM and quantitatively assessing the metrics used in the demonstration. In accordance with the current practice, IBN systems should offer the user the ability to request traditional survivability metrics, such as the existence of protection or availability. However, we suggest that an IBN system should also warn the user of the limitations of these approaches. In particular, we show that using traditional asymptotic (steady-state) availability as an intent metric incurs high non-compliance risks. Therefore, we recommend the implementation of risk calculations in intent translators as an auxiliary resource for intent-based survivability.