Ability to precisely control the center of a radial gradient, its hilite angle/length
Add more options to the Gradient tool, especially the radial gradient option. The ability to move the center of the radial gradient would be very useful for cartographers making maps and having the ability to show spheres (3-D circular objects) with a source of light northwest (or any other angle) of the circular object. The attached file should better explain the desired outcome. Your competitors (CorelDraw and Canvas) have had that feature for years, yet Illustrator is more often used for making maps than the other software packages.

Hi Kazimierz,
You can modify the center of the radial gradient. Just choose the Gradient tool (G) with the objects selected (and gradient applied). Drag it across the shape. The start point comes the center of the gradient.
Does that work for you?
-Yogesh
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Yogesh, I'm not sure you will get this message until certain time, but I'm glad I can still address this to you.
Yes, user can modify center of gradient. But one can does it only by dragging, with tool, by eye, and not numerically, by typing values, correcting current look by nudging digits and not mouse! I still don't understand why AI, allowing to control everything, takes away some controls.
I personally rarely use modifying center, because I can't repeat same gradient without using dragging.
I need values I can copy/paste.