Bank failures would be more fun if . . .

... all bank customers were relieved of their debt obligations when their bank failed. In the short run, the economy would really take off if every bank failure was met with rejoicing, dancing in the streets, and a spending spree by newly debt free consumers. In the long run, banks would learn to be careful. 8)

I would add that there should also be a public display of the officials in charge of the bank, think of the officers of the bank in stocks and chains in the town square or some other equally public venue. A supply of well ripened fruits and vegetables should be available to public free of charge in the same venue. Once these chronic gamblers loose everything and are publicly humiliated they might, and I am not very optimistic, become more conservative with other peoples money