thanks to everyone who responded. A couple of specifics:
1. As to C++ - I am aware that most plug-ins are written in C#. The CamBam website says C++ is possible, which I guess is true in general of any .Net libraries, but I was hoping for examples as I'm a lot more familiar with C++ than C#. I guess I'll just have to muddle through with C#.
2. Thanks for the pointers to plug-ins that include source. I looked at a few and didn't hit on ones with source. Maybe just bad luck? The repository at Atelier-des-Fougeres gives no indication which, if any, include source. I checked a few and drew a blank.
I'll just have to dig deeper in this forum history.
Thx again