Databases have to be sensitive to punctuation and spelling, they are designed to retrieve exactly what is asked for, and only that. That is why it is important to consider consistency of data entry and error checking and detection during data entry when first designing a database.
Agreed, but my data (or 95% of it) is correct as per source material (and my data entry policy) - but I have no control over how users weaned on Google phrase their searches.
The more savvy users do as you suggest and believe it or not some even read the notes it's those that don`t I'm trying to capture.