Would also like to be able to add arrows or symbols and text boxes to the chart box via typical user interface, drag-n-drop type creation of annotation object.
Take a look at the ChartDirector plugin from MBS, it should be able to get pretty close to that chart.
If you post your request on the ChartDirector forums, one of the developers there, Peter Kwan, will usually tell you how to do it, if possible.
Good luck!
You can also take a look at Roger’s data plot classes: http://opensource.the-meiers.org/
I’ve use them to generate a number of semiconductor-related plots.