In fact, many journals give this option, but very few people use it. For example, Discrete Mathematics has something they call "perspectives paper" which is basically high quality survey paper on a novel topic or a novel technique: http://tinyurl.com/yh9swnn My understanding is that these perspectives paper undergo the usual refereeing process.

In fact, many journals give this option, but very few people use it. For example, Discrete Mathematics has something they call "perspectives paper" which is basically high quality survey paper on a novel topic or a novel technique: http://tinyurl.com/yh9swnn My understanding is that these perspectives paper undergo the usual refereeing process.

P.S. Full disclosure - I am an editor of DM.