In case anybody is waiting to hear what happened with this case, here’s the email from tech support. It would appear there is no good workaround at present and the time frame for a solution is not yet clear.
Dear Dr. Ken
Thank you for your email.
Yes, I was able to replicate this issue from our end using Word 2013. I will report this issue to our internal team who will further investigate this issue.
I deeply apologize for any inconvenience this might have caused.
I will update you if I have any update from our internal team. I shall close this case for now. however, our internal team will continue to work on this issue.
However, currently I cannot provide you an estimated time frame as to how long it will take to resolve this issue. I once again sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this might have caused.
Based on the information provided above, this case will be closed and no further action is required on your part. However, if this does not resolve your issue, please reply to this email and your case will be immediately reopened for additional support.
Sincerely,
XX