I'm afraid I do not believe this idea will get anywhere, simply because it will widen the gap between RP and game mechanics. The eventual goal would be for RP and game mechanics to compliment one another, so that such "work around" methods will no longer be needed. I agree that the combat system, as it is, does not support RP fighting very well, but that will more than likely change in the future.
There was a suggestion a couple of days ago that there be an RP /die command where you can die in an RP but not actually be sent to the death realm. If you can see why that is not plausible, you should be able to see why this isn't either.
Thanks for putting in the idea though Illysia, if anything it highlights the need for more RP-Game Mechanics compatibility.