Yup - just finally changed it in my Note 5. Here is how to make it default to pen entry:
Click in the note so the keyboard pops up.
Hit the "T" button. That will change it the pen entry mode.
Long press the keyboard button so the options with the gear icon shows up.
Hit the gear icon
Scroll to the bottom of the Samsung Keyboard settings and turn Pen detection on and back out.
Viola! When you go to type in a note, the default will be to have a handwriting line if you have the S-pen out of its hidey hole.
I know that isn't exactly the same but I hope it helps.