Plugin Options for Dummies

Plugin Options for Dummies

Is there a reason most plug-ins do not allow options to be accessed after setting them?

For example, why can't plugins do this?

  
    
   
  1.  $('#myDivTag').somePlugIn(options);
    var options = $('#myDivTag').somePlugin().getOptions();

    2.

The reason I ask is wanting to use "multiple instances" of plugins.  Like a crop control used on two different photos where each instance must maintain options (state) specific to each img tag.

Any feedback appreciated -