When working h:dataTable component, i found it difficult to customize. For example, adding colspan, show different types of rows, edit table 'in place', adding dynamic some functionality, selection on cells/rows/headers.

Instead, i use 'ui:repeat' on rows. See:

http://jsf-tables-tutorials-and-examples.blogspot.com

I add 'loop' component to add some features like paging,
and now i can create neary ANY table with jsf, facelets.

Is my approach better then h:dataTable?