Even though I know this isn't a dev list, the first solution that I coudl think of for this would be to have a view source button that wouldn't be an edit window, that way you'd run no risk of renewing the block, it would also make it easier for general users who just want to look at the source and not have to worry about accidentally hitting the save page button. I think the whole block issue may be a psychological issue as well, I forget who brought it up before but there does seem to be a certain lack of empathy for people on the wrong side of the block which is something that should be rectified or we risk the chance of alienating potentially useful editors to wikipedia.
-Jtkiefer