[MMM]

Is there a time when こと is more appropriate than 事? For example, when quoting someone's speech? I am working on a project, and our Japanese editor suggested on one page changing 事 to こと, when it is used in quoted text. (He didn't "say" that, but the only places he wanted it changed were in quoted text.) I don't know if it makes a difference, but the quotes are all by American farmers, and their quotes have been translated into Japanese.