I don't really get it. Your gripe with the current system is cost and time involved, yet your suggestions both cost time and money, except there's one major flaw. It's much more time consuming to be running around all over the place just to get rid of weakness than it is to die (multiple times mind you) before needing any gear repaired.

What happens if I die 5 times far away from any crystal, perhaps in a dungeon with a time limit? I'm totally useless then.

Also you neglected to mention what effects raise spells would have.

The current system is fine. You're basically just asking for the same thing, except much more complicated and time consuming.

I appreciate your suggestion, though I don't think you've thought it all the way through.