Because FreeHand allows you to record several transformations (click starting point, copy, angle, resize, command-d...), though not trivial, it would be easier than Illustrator. Hence, I am also interested in reading how one might accomplish this in the latter.
Though I have made the transition from FreeHand, insufficient transformation actions, charting interface/options, gradation fill styles that retail angle information are three of my grips about Illustrator.