SDL Tridion 2013 fixes [Schema navigation by letter presses][1]. Navigating by the tab key seems to work for me as well, though I had issues with [IE in compatibility mode][2].

2013 also adds a useful "clear field" option with an "x" in the right side. If possible, I'd have the authors test run 2013 to see the improvements.

I also noticed a "[tall fields][3]" issue in 2011, follow-up with Support on that one if it's an issue for the authors.

  [1]: https://tridion.stackexchange.com/a/211/46
  [2]: https://tridion.stackexchange.com/q/2556/46
  [3]: https://webmasters.stackexchange.com/questions/29503/rich-text-format-area-size-in-sdl-tridion-2011-sp1