Appeasing The Living

If one is willing to think about it, the reality of performing the rites for the dead are often to appease the living, not the dead. Considering the relatively low rates of unrested spirits arising from having the improper (or no) last rites, it does seem that the dead are relatively unaffected by rites for the dead.

The living, however, do seem to be far more restive when it comes to these rites. The remarkable number of unrested spirits amongst the living for having the wrong (according to their views) rites performed will be quite indicative of the terrible effect these things can have on the living.

Of course, it is known that, psychologically, these rites are really ways for the living to cope with the passing of loved ones. Presumably loved ones, since I don't think most people really care exactly how the stranger living two blocks down is about to be greased for the afterlife.