Also note that a another real deficiency with sketch patterns is that once the geometry is created, it is not fully defined. (It all shows up blue.) So it is REAL easy to inadvertenty move something by accidentally dragging it. You can apply some dimensions to fully define them, but it is a pain. When you do an offset you get a dimension to control the goemetry, so there is no reason they can't do the same thing with patterns. You could always edit the dimensions, if you wanted to modify some instances.
Scott is right- it's about time they upgraded this to a real tool, because it can be so useful. It is a bit half@$$ed right now. I know SW has a policy of getting some enhancements out early a limited form then collecting the feedback and updating it accordingly at the next rev. It seems unusual that they left something this basic in such a "raw" state for so long.
Having said that, he is also correct that in many cases patterning features is better. It all depends on what you are using the sketch pattern for. Things are so fast these days that it is difficult to say without testing, but there used to be a significant speed improvement using patterned features verses patterning in the sketch.
I was - and he did. So at least I didn't get coal.....
OK, OK, It's a reference to my holiday sig. "Be naughty - Save Santa a trip..."