I have created a form using data validation drop-downs for most of my input
fields and then protected the spreadsheet allowing edits to selected fields.
The problem I have is that you can copy & paste values on top of the
drop-downs without getting an error.

Is there a way to ensure that a user ONLY selects from a list in a drop-down
while still allowing a cell or 2 to be available for free text?

Thank you.