Correct, you provide the income from the joint return. And you are correct that the income will still not be sufficient or even counted unless your...

You should not be subject to the numerical cap if you have a current, valid H1b and you are in status.

Your age remains frozen so long as you do not delay filing with NVC whatever they require.

If the Ukrainian government extended the passport validity, then it is an unexpired passport.

No. CIS stopped their policy of requiring people to file "bridge' petitions during the pendency of F1 changes of status.

There is no way to guess how long they will take.

I would guess 100% chance Canada will allow it's citizens to return, even with a DUI.

The start date for H1b, if approved, could be as early as October 1.

It seems to me that Germany is not in the Western Hemisphere. https://2009-2017.state.gov//s/d/rm/rls/dosstrat/2007/html/82977.htm

There is no harm attending, just be sure to mention your denial or they will also mark you for committing fraud.