>Seriously, it's a thought. Complex motifs are supposedly found at higher vantage points, maybe places where you'd get a good view of any rainbows. Whocansay????

Hmmm. The cupmarked stone on Fyfield is on the highest hill above the Ridgeway.
poeteG

I don't think this would be the reason behind all such carvings and still think each one must be assessed on its own merits, but it <i>could</i> be one of the reasons why that spot was chosen.

I know the main reason why the area (with over 20 carved stones) was chosen as due east there is a very low pass between two very high mountains and on the equinox the sunrise on that gap would be stunning from there!