Michael,

I've found in the past that thinking about how to implement complex 'advanced' features sometimes spits out elegant little methods for solving totally different things. =) So take those suggestions with a grain of salt.

The Repeating Structure Tool idea isn't as frivolous as it sounds by the way. Repeating triangle, diamond, hex or other shaped structures can be very handy for making parts lightweight yet structurally strong, or achieving the desired balance between rigidity and flexibility in parts made of materials like soft plastic or rubber.

I've attached a quick and dirty visualization of what such a tool might do. The pattern shown is simple but the skeletal view gives a clue as to how more complex 'live' structures could be constructed and manipulated by the user.

best,

-d