Would like to insert areas to which associates can type answers

Actually, it is possible to add very basic form fields using the free Reader. See this tool I've developed:

Custom-made Adobe Scripts: Reader -- Create Form Fields in Adobe Reader

However, for the most part using the Add Text commenting tool should be sufficient.

That would require the full paid-for version of Adobe Acrobat (which can do this easily) but the free Adobe Acrobat Reader cannot do it.