🚀 go-pugleaf

We are about to start creating Java applications that will be running on
Windows and Macs (more platforms possibly later).  I'm looking for
suggestions on how to handle the "look and feel" with these applications.
We will be using Swing.

It seems like Sun is positioning the Java Look and Feel (formerly called
Metal) to be the "standard" look and feel for Java applications that will be
cross platform.  How is it really being used?

Are applications using the look and feel of the platform they are running on
(i.e. use Windows L&F if running on Windows, Motif L&F if running on Unix,
Mac L&F if running on a Mac), or is Metal used no matter what the platform?

Is it normal to let the users decide which L&F to use through some sort of
options or preference settings?   Is this a good idea?  Are there
compatibility problems between one L&F and the next?

I remember hearing that there was some sort of lock on the Windows L&F to
prevent it from running on other platforms.  Sun wasn't sure they had the
rights to distribute the L&F and Microsoft wouldn't give their approval.  Is
this true?

How are you dealing with L&F?

Thanks in advance
Terry Diederich