" wrote:
I wonder if he has yet noticed that his results are an inherent result
of using the work bench surface for indexing the plate joiner?

Actually, I've successfully indexed off the bottom rather than the
fence by placing the joiner and work on a large, flat piece of MDF.
This also allows me to offset a joint (as in making a reveal with an
apron joined to a leg) by using flat "shims" or spacers under the
joiner without changing any of the settings.

I also used this technique with my Festool Domino.

Absolutely doable but more prone to error if there is any debris under
either the joiner or the work. Or if the work is not perfectly flat. It is
just not the best way to index.