tables, positioning of `#+Plot:' lines

[Mario Frasca]

I was wondering about the position of the `#+plot:' lines.  we have a 
table, and if we want to have formulas, we put these in a `#+TBLFM:' 
line following the table.  the documentation of org-plot states that 
`#+PLOT:' lines are looked for: following, or preceding the table, but 
then only the "preceding" strategy is implemented.  I tried just out of 
curiosity, what happens if I put my `#+PLOT:' lines following the table 
but before the `#+TBLFM:' line.  in this case also the `#+TBLFM:' line 
is not found.

I see a couple of problems with this approach and in the current 
implementation:

- only one single `#+TBLFM:' line is recognized, it must follow the 
table, there cannot be any other meta information in between the table 
and the `#+TBLFM:' line.

- other programs can't add meta information to the table, or must choose 
to stay after the `#+TBLFM:' line or before the `#+PLOT:' lines.

- you have meta information at the two ends of the table, instead of all 
on the same side.

I would like to implement the 'plot meta lines after the table', and 
some way to comment meta lines.

any thoughts?

my main doubt is that if we acknowledge meta lines at both ends, we end 
up with an unmanageable mess, where similar information can be very 
distant in the document.  I think it was a mistake to let PLOT 
directives be placed elsewhere than formulas, but I don't know if it's 
still worth changing this.

best regards, MF