Hi Jarmo, thanks for the explanations -- I should I've read your doc patch more closely.
It is a nice spreadsheet utility function but my feeling is that having it in Org's core does not really fit, as it introduces functions where we usually have references. Functions are fine for users to add, though, that's the whole point of allowing Elisp in table formulas. Maybe I'm too conservative on this one. I will wait for other users' insight -- especially Carsten, who can better decide what fits and what does not in this area. Thanks, -- Bastien