Another way to look at templates versus checklists is the value or type of response desired. A checklist is usually “yes” or “no”, or perhaps a picklist of standardized values. A template typically allows for free-form responses of much greater detail and length.

Great question. I am going to give you the classic BA response – it depends. I think it depends on what you are using the checklist for vs. a template. I think a checklist can be helpful to make sure you have identified all the areas of scope that need to be documented for a project, or to identify the characteristics of excellent requirements but I think a template serves a different purpose.
The template is typically used to create consistency in documentation and also to serve as a guideline in terms of what needs to be documented. From that perspective, templates can be helpful.
Where I see the problem is when BA’s don’t go outside those parameters. I think we should use any and all techniques we need to when doing analysis and anything that is going to help us think differently or more creatively.
I am not sure if I answered your question but I think checklists and templates are two different things and serve two different purposes.

What do you think about the idea of checklists rather than templates? Could they be better? Worse?