Option for users in workflow to enter user for next step in workflow if the step is blank

Feature Request: Allow Submitters to Assign the Next Workflow Approver

Summary:
Enable users advancing a workflow to assign the next approver when the upcoming workflow step is blank. This would support flexible approval paths by allowing the current user to identify the correct person for the next step based on the specific details of the BOE.

Problem Statement:
Currently, if a user advances a workflow and the next step does not already have an assigned user, the process can stall or require manual intervention outside the workflow. This is especially problematic in flexible approval scenarios where the next approver depends on factors such as hours, cost, or other BOE-specific criteria. Without the ability to assign the next user at the time of advancement, the workflow becomes less efficient and more difficult to manage.

Proposed Solution:
Allow users to select or enter the appropriate next approver when advancing a workflow if the next workflow step is blank.
Display this option only when the upcoming step has no assigned user, so the experience remains simple when routing is already defined.
Ensure the selected user is applied only to the next workflow step being advanced into.
Support flexible approval workflows where the correct approver is determined dynamically based on BOE value, hours, cost, or similar approval conditions.
Provide clear validation or guidance if the selected user is not eligible for the next step.

Benefits:
Prevents workflow delays caused by unassigned approval steps.
Improves flexibility for organizations with dynamic or conditional approval paths.
Reduces manual follow-up and administrative effort outside the system.
Helps ensure BOEs are routed to the correct approver at the right time.
Creates a smoother and more efficient workflow experience for end users.

If you want, I can also turn this into a slightly more formal product-ready version for the idea description.