It used to be like this! But I had a few problems with that idea so I changed it:
- It doesn't make sense logically for you to be able to allocate stats once you've lost all of your encounter points (and presumably died).
- It would be a very underutilized part of the game. Not only is the equipment unlocking phase is a very small part of the game (it is less than 5% now, and will likely be 0% in future Zones), it would require the player to swap to the stats screen on game over.
I do want the screen that shows up on game over to be the equipment screen. That reinforces one of the core metaprogression aspects of the game. If I show the stats screen, it would lead to confusion on why it is being shown, especially if the player hasn't fully internalized the unlocking equipment mechanic.
I agree that what you're saying would lead to a more strategic experience early on, but I believe the danger of confusing new players is greater than the benefit granted to those looking to minmax.
Thanks for the suggestion though!