You should fill out the entire I-864, not just parts of it. You do not need proof that your wife's name is changed, for the I-864.

There are no immigration consequences in the U.S. to a person who overstays her visa in some other country, not the U.S.

Other than following your lawyer's advice, you may wish to file a petition for writ of mandamus to force CIS to issue you the work permit.

It is six years since you had an H1b and as such you are subject to the numerical limit Therefore you must enter the lottery.

I do not see why they would not accept it at the consulate but you can apply for a replacement approval notice if you wish.

Perhaps you should consider filing an application for an extension of your B2 visa or perhaps you should consider filing for your F1 abroad.

You are not required to withdraw the application for extension of change of status. Whether or not it is accepted should have no impact on the I-485.

Certainly USCIS can cross reference what applications have been filed for you. I don't know how this would affect the lottery. It is a good idea...

I agree you could try claiming it was a felonious assault. Just showing you a gun and pushing you very well may not suffice.

If the immigrant visa is nearly available, you should just immigrate when the time comes. You will not get a student visa. If the visa will not...