Yes PAQ not interactive, just a little easier than sweep. I agree with the most important part is the offset. The sweep is easy either way!

I think he talked about the pipe tool in another thread. since sweep does it and gives you control over the sweep shape, then no need for special shape tool, (except in your particular case it would be a blessing) However, the onsurf snap is a great request I hope is possible.

Interactive sweep would be a feature that solves many areas including yours. I wonder if that is possible. Does ANY app have interactive sweep? (not just pipe but more "create sweep shape THEN draw sweep path")

Kind of like the way extrude works but with point picking and G1 G2 options and with directional rotation.