This might not be helpful for everybody. But I usually keep track of components with a defpoint (invisible) layer in AutoCAD. Rafters are labeled in numerical order, ie., rft1, rft2 etc.
If there was a way to customize a letter or number order for new components instead of always having a default label for the new component. Then as I add new rafters for example after I create my first rafter1, a new rafter would automatically be labeled rafter2.
Guest
Yes, I think almost everybody has a number at the end of the member name. This would be helpful for many people including myself.