The problem is that we don't want NEW USERS to even know that the old basic curves are there (but we KNOW that old users, if they really want to use them, will take the time and effort to figure how to turn them on ;-) ). Besides, if we left them easy to find, then the new people would wonder why they have an "old looking" interface and would start asking that we make it consistent with the rest of NX.
As for not creating them "associative", just because they're called "Associative Basic Curves" does not mean that we have not provided an option to create them non-associative. Now you have only one inteface to learn for BOTH Associative and Non-Associative "Basic Curves", which is what we want new users to experience. Also, with respect to your comment about making a "good old-fashioned, non-associative, point to point curve", have you tried creating lines and arcs using the "Lines and Arcs Toolbar" rather then Insert/Curve/Line... or Arc/Circle... ? I think you will find that for quick & simple tasks, it's pretty hard to beat in terms of keystrokes and feedback. Besides, when it comes time to edit one of these "basic curves", you may realize that they being associative can pay some big premiums.
John R. Baker, P.E.
Product "Evangelist"
NX Product Line
UGS Corp
Cypress, CA
Phone: 714-952-6032
FAX: 714-952-5758
John.R.Baker@ugs.com