This is a pretty interesting filter as you can place objects along any path.
Get Follow Path Here
More info here
http://registry.gimp.org/node/28647
I have asked the author to include BLUR along a path which the author has added.Thanks!
Now i have suggested allowing copies along a set of non connected paths on 1 layer. For instance this R i made.
Here are my results with a sphere layer and a R text path.

Results

100 copies seems to be the plugins limit also. This should be changed to unlimited (a much larger number) i believe.

I am sure stroke path with a brush with certain dynamics can achieve the same results but this seems easier to control within one dialog anyways.

By the way there are 2 files in the download package.
gimpfu2.py (needs to go in the lib/gimp/2.0/python folder
followpath4.py (needs to go in the USERNAME/.gimp-2.8/plug-ins folder.
Restart GIMP. You will find it under Right click path and select Tools>Follow Path.
Directions for use-
Create a new document - create a object on that layer - create a minimum 2 point path. Open the filter and select your path layer and copies amount. You need at least 2 copies for the filter to run. I have asked the author to change this to allow 1 copy for single object shadow blur.

Your thoughts or suggestions?

Pick up the follow path path last night and now I can't wait to try it. Nice job Rod. Thankyou...

Looks cool, Does it also fill the center part of the R? (the hole)
Also, with all those sliders how is a person supposed to know what to set them at?

I'm having a difficult time keeping up with all the new stuff and updates.
Slow Down!

i agree, its a bit overkill

Don't get me wrong, this is great.
It's just that I now have so much stuff sitting around that I have to figure out.

Almost has a flash feel to it.