I would like to make the "Other" row of a matrix question optional, so people only need to answer when they write their own option in the text bar beside "Other."
No, we cant.
Once we select "Force response" then all row will be forced.
However, instead of selecting force response, you can use "custom validation"
https://www.qualtrics.com/support/survey-platform/survey-module/editing-questions/validation/#CustomValidation
