Or .... to make it really simple an option to just put the text in the middle of the line, all other cad programs that I know of would have this.

Hi Clive,

I worked at the end of the 80's with a CAD Software called PCDraft. An excellent CAD Program, much better than Autocad! Unfortunately Autocads marketing was much better and PCDraft died. Very sad!

However - in PCDraft Pro was one of the default Dimension setting which always - when possible - put the dimension text in the middle of the dimension line with a proper fitting gap for the dimension text. Beautiful! In the case that there wasn't enough space between the extension lines it was automatically moved to the right side without a gap. In the case it would not suit your idea of a proper dimension you were able to manipulate the position with the keyboard arrow keys. Arrow key to the left - dimension text to the left side. Keyboard key to the right - dimension text to the right side. Same game with above and underneath the line. You get the idea. Fascinating was that there was no extra interaction from the user necessary for "fine tuning". Open a gap - close a gap - lengthen or shorten a line - everything full automatically. And in the case that really nothing worked out with this given pattern you was still able to move manually the dimension text with the mouse ...

Did I mention that I worked in the 80's with that program .... 8-)

It is necessary to increase the dimension menu options

Yet another request to support Dimensions better.
There are plenty of options supported by dxf.

Regards,
CVH