There are a couple of workarounds actually.
You can limit the scope of what is considered the search query by typing the two closing brackets. This means that you could either:
-
type immediately
[[]]and then move the cursor in between the brackets to type what ever you want, or, -
type the opening
[[then the query like “Alex”, followed by the closing two brackets, you will then search for just the word “Alex” in the note titles.
The first is probably easier if you’re not sure what to look for, the second easier if you are sure the word you plan to type will show the note or project you’re looking for.
Other workarounds are to use actions, as you say, for example:
\link(project-title: Alex) will show all projects with the word Alex in the title
and
\link(note-title: Alex) will show all note with the word Alex in the title
Finally, as you say, on macOS you find a different way to insert a link under Insert > Link To in the main menu. And on iOS you find this same way under the Plus button > Link in the keyboard bar. I’ll see if I can make this menu show the search field as you suggest.