Issue 61905

I notice that in Calc, all formulas must begin with an equals sign "=".  Many
spreadsheet users (myself included) like to use the keypad on the right side of
the keyboard when doing heavy data entry or formula-writing.  As there is no
equals sign on the keypad, this means having to move over to the alpha keyboard
every time we want to start a formula.  Lotus 1-2-3 had the convention of being
able to start a formula with the plus sign "+", which was such a great idea that
MS Excel decided to adopt it under their 1-2-3 transition plan.  Most of the
heavy users that I know prefer this method.  It seems to me more intuitive and
efficient to have a formula-starting key somewhere near the numeric keypad.  The
"plus" sign is a good one for this purpose.

I would like to be able to add the ability to begin entering a formula with the
plus sign.  Can this be done?  Is it practical/possible?