> > a) the ability to typset lines to a grid
>
> I don't see why this cannot be accomplished by proper settings of the
> various vertical space parameters in the documentclass. I.e., I don't
> think it is an inherent restriction in LaTeX, it is a decision left up
> to the designer/documentclass writer.
indeed. I did a book like this once. it was a nightmare, for all the
reasons Michael points out
Sebastian