1. When constructing beam element models show the loads and reactions, as per image below (from Cadre).
2. Enable applied load vectors to be shown, image load vectors below (from Femap).
3. Allow cross-section to be shown in results window for beam elements as per image - stresses shown on cross-section (image from Multiframe)
4. Allow identification of surfaces / objects i.e. if you select a surface it should indicate the associated material / property in the Nastran tree. This would make a model with a lot of different composite materials (tapers for example) a lot easier to review. I appreciate that the mesh colours asscoicate with a property but this is not always easy to identify.