I am unable to convince Open Office Writer to deal with linked text files in the
same way that Word does.  It deals with linked graphics just fine, but the
option to insert a text file as 'linked' does not exist.  When opening Word
files with linked text, a standalone graphics frame of some sort is created, but
there is nothing in it.

I set up a simple example Word file, but I don't see a place to attached it. 
I'll try after the issue is submitted.  Thanks for your time - this is the only
issue keeping me from converting over. :-)