Here's an awsome idea: Why no allow for objects (any object) to be Fit To Path on any other object or curve...
Just like with type, you would be allowed to take an object, Fit To Path and be able to adjust its position on the curve, relative distance from the path line and even stretch capabilities just like Fit Text To Path.
For years I've used the Blend Tool to somewhat achive this, but that requires a lot of hoops to jump through and you can't adjust relative positioning from the line. The Artistic Sprayer tools also works but does not allow for accurate and quick positioning.
Just now I would "contour" the line to be snapped to and use the 'offset' distance as the contour distance. Break it and then simply snap to that object. Not sure how you would (accuratly) rotate the object to tie in with the curve though.