Many thanks for your prompt reply, which has changed me from skeptical to converted, Matthias. I love being proven wrong (almost as much as being proven right.
)
I have never used the Essay (auto-grade) question type and I will look more seriously into its features.
As for GapFill, it does fit the bill for the OP. Kudos to our friend Marcus Green for developing such a versatile question type.
I do know and use GapFill, and I've even included it in my little Export Glossary to Quiz block plugin.
Again, Matthias, thanks for taking the trouble to create those questions using those question types in order to prove your point. That's the spirit!