"For field work, there is usually a verbal description of the requested work"

That's not what "text box" means for QB forms. Please see my attachment; I use text boxes for the customers to know info about how to contact me, to how to indicate they want to go paperless, etc.

"quite often it is repetitive and could be standardized"

What you are describing is Scope of work, which is either attached to the Items, such as Services; or, on a separate documents such as Terms & Conditions. That isn't the use of "text box" for QB templates.

"but in some instances there are more directions that are given. Based on this answer it sounds like there is not a field available on the Work (Sales) Order setup screen to copy and paste information that has been communicated from the customer."

These are not Documents. Think of going into a restaurant. You place an order, but that order will not also list all the ingredients and instructions for making the dish. That Recipe is not literally on your order slip; it is part of the Kitchen's instructions = Separate, but associated.

"We are assessing if it is worth spending the money to upgrade to Enterprise...so close.... the communication piece is important."

The Communication Piece for contracts, terms conditions, lien waivers, etc is Word Documents, typically. You will see a little paperclip at the top of QB Transactions so that you can attach Documents, Drawings, etc as a filing system for reference. But again, the Drawing for a machined part is not On your QB estimate; the estimate references that you are going to charge for that specific task, that part, its quantity, and the Price you are establishing.

Please see my attachments.