I think Jack of Hearts meant something along the lines of Traitor Son Cycles, where the Saint -I forgot her name, the b**ch- used her ascension/death to boost the magical reserves of her allies.
For DF however, I don't think that's likely; as a death curse is cast by a dying wizard, it would be primarily destructive. To perform magic you have to believe in it, and it's tough to believe in peace and love or anything constructive while your throat is being slit, or so I believe.
Yes this is pretty much what I meant. I can understand why most death curses are used in destructive ways because of the natural human reaction to dying and wanting to lash out at the person or thing responsible for your death.
Lets take it a step further. What if a magic user is dying of natural causes or old age? They would be more likely to know when its their time to go compared to a mortal. Could they pass down their power or a portion of their power to another? Perhaps this is how some wizards got to be so powerful? I know this a stretch but it got me thinking. It could even be a mantle of sorts if it was continuously passed down....