well technically part of this issue is resolved. you can specify a red * by modifying the open.inc.php file within include/client directory. this technically resolves this issue, as long as you've added the required code within class.ticket.php - my other issue regarding attachments required is still up in the air.

function create($var,&$errors,$origin,$autorespond=true,$alertstaff=true) {
global $cfg,$thisclient,$_FILES;
/* Coders never code so fully and joyfully as when they do it for free - Peter Rotich */
$id=0;
$fields=array();
you want to make this a required field by changing the 0 to 1
$fields = array('type'=>'phone', 'required'=>1, 'error'=>'Valid phone # required');