I often use the type filter in Application Explorer, especially when the expected result is quite big (e.g. when you search for "custtable" or "salesline" and such). So usually I add the type. If I need to see the table the search term would be:
salesline type:"table"
The problem is you do not get the full picture because table extensions are only displayed if you search for them explicitly:
salesline type:"table extension"
My suggestion is to change the behavior of the first term and display both tables and their extensions. Explicit search for table extensions could remain the same or be removed. The same goes for other types like forms/form extensions, EDTs/EDT extensions, etc.