There's a difference between effects applying after death and persisting effects. In no way, SRP, Boba or Old Ben apply those effects when they're alive, so it's WAI. In opposite, you have effects like Bariss, Chirrut, Baze, Wedge or Biggs that shouldn't persist after death since they're a boost to the team or some partners during the battle.
For me, it's a strategy to include during the battle. When you fight Old Ben (or fought since there's not a lot anymore), you know that you have to kill him last, but it can also be a strategy to let him alone in a Maul team or R2 team so he's killed first and apply his boost to the whole team after death.
Now, your second point is nice and can be an improvment in the battle. If the leader is dead, so the next toon takes his place as leader. It can be fun.
