While you decrease the level of your hero, you don't decrease your skill's level. At lvl 57 you still have your 72 lvl Spoil that doesn't work as long as your level is less than a level of your skill.
In case of a fake death, last time it was learned you were < 57 lvl, that's why fake death works, there is no conflict between your lvl and a lvl of your skill.