As for me, I've died a couple times and it always sets me back (because no one returns my stuff) and I know its not fun. On the other hand.... I've seen people die and picked up over 4m in one drop. Why anyone would have a rare like a mask in their inventory while fighting just boggles my mind and I really didnt feel too bad about not returning that stuff. (Dont be stupid) My opinion is that we should all try to be nice and that one person is all it takes, but dont be expectant of it.
The point of having 126 combat is to prove you've done it all, in fighting at least. If you could have it without doing everything...ie mage, range, melee, it would make it completely pointless, imo.
Essentially it all boils down to wether or not you want the status symbol of a phat. Thats all phats are, status symbols. The only reason for complaint is that they're getting harder to get. Which is the logical thing for status symbols to do, remain status symbols. I hope they never get rid of them.