You are so correct.  Government backed student loans follow you to the grave.  If you default you get the following benefits from Sallie Mae:
1.  Garnishment of wages.
2.  Forfeit federal income tax refunds.
3.  Garnishment or forfeiture of unemployment benefits.
4.  No food stamps.
5.  Garnishment or forfeiture of social security benefits.
6.  Claim against your estate and life insurance.
7.  Not dischargable under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy code.
....just to name a few.

I had to default on mine and filed for bankruptcy.  My student student loans are not dischargable and my pay will be garnished when I get a job again, if anybody will hire me.