We've had a long discussion about this elsewhere and the synopsis was that most of us agreed that you should be able to look at your ability tree while dead, but not able to shop. Otherwise, it's just too bad for immersion when you die. What do you think of that?

I think you should be able to view your skill tree and all the shops while you are dead, but you shouldn't be able to spend skillpoints or buy anything.  Preventing people from viewing shops and skill trees while dead (the only down time you really have) makes it very difficult for newer players, as they don't know all the different items and skills like the back of their hand.  I think the game would be easier to pick up and play if you could browse stores while you're dead instead of having to memorize the entire item list in advance so you can make quick decisions in game.  You shouldn't have to spend time studying for games, that's what school's for .

Just don't let people actually buy/upgrade while dead and there shouldn't be a problem.

 Ah well great minds think alike I guess.   The shopping idea does sound good though.