We use recurring batches as templates for all kinds of journal entries, this is a very helpful way to not have to "recreate the wheel".  The Excel JE add in is helpful for long entries but is a slower process for short & medium journal entries compared to creating a regular batch from a recurring batch.  In the recurring batches we have all the account information but use zero as the dollar amount, then all we have to do when a regular batch is created is to fill in the numbers.

As part of our 2018 roadmap, we intend to add reverse on date and are researching the work effort to add recurring JE batch's to the system. In the meantime we have released the Excel Journal Entry addin that can be used to replicate this feature and also replaces importing of Journal Entries. Check it out in the Microsoft store - no cost to you.   It does require office 2016 which is a Microsoft requirement.

I would love to have the same functionality for recurring batches that we have in the database view.  Is this going to be possible?

In NXT they have replaced the recurring batch functionality with enhanced functionality when simply copying or reversing an existing batch.  Simply open the batch you wish to replicate and choose "copy".  You will be prompted to enter the new batch description and the new post date that you want all the transactions to have so that you don't have to change them manually like you did with a recurring batch.