The Object Edit > Offset 
tool offers a new option to produce an offset curve or surface with better CV structure (distribution).
If Normal Mode is set to NUV, the CVs move only in the normal direction, like the NUV mode in Transform CV. If Normal Mode is set to Off, the tool behaves as before, trying to produce the most accurate offset, regardless of CV structure.
Note: The NUV method does not apply to periodic curves, or to non-planar curves when Curve Offset Plane is set to Geometry average.
In the example below, the top surface is offset by 10.0 units from the bottom surface, using the Off mode (first image), then the NUV mode (second image).
Normal Mode = Off: optimal accuracy but CVs form a bow tie.
Normal Mode = NUV: better CV distribution but slightly less accurate offset.