I need custom validation code to force a response for some of the likert options but not all of them. The final options within the question are "Other" free text box opportunities for participants to volunteer additional information.

We want to force a response for the specific listed likert scale options but NOT for the "Other" free text box options.

I have included an example of a question and the custom validation I have created (for all 7 options) in Q18 before the "Other" options begin (based on previous linked post).

When I preview the survey I am still being told I need to complete the “other” lines.

Where am I going wrong?