B2 extension for parent visiting US. What are the recommendations?

[albert_e]

Parent came to US in early March, I-94 expiring in early September, am in the process of filing B2 extension for 6 months. Thinking of filing online (only one applicant).

Reason is general safety concern due to pandemic.Parent is elderly (60+) and has prior conditions that out them at higher risk.

I would like to know --

1. Online vs. Offline -- For a single applicant, is there any reason to prefer paper filing versus online filing? The online filing looks much simpler. I hear we get the receipt number immediately which will avoid a lot of stress and anxiety.
2. I-539 Application online -- for this question "What date are you requesting your current or requested status be extended until?" ... can we simply ask for current I-94 expiry date + 180 days ? Do we need to keep any buffer? I might need the maximum duration.
3. Question "Is someone assisting you with completing this application?" -- how important is it to declare my name as assisting my parent in preparing the form? Looks like an additional hassle / documentation which might introduce more mistakes / rejection reasons. I know we have to be truthful so am not trying to submit anything false. Just trying to understand if this has any bearing on the process.
4. Question "Describe how you are supporting yourself. Include any documentary evidence of the source, amount, and basis for any income." -- can I simply state in 2 sentences that parent will be staying at the kid's residence in US and the kid will bear all expenses for stay? Any details to be supplied?
5. "Additional Information" -- any recommendation on what should go here?
6. Your Written Statement -- can this be worded in first person by the applicant and signed by them? Do we need a signature by the kid who is inviting/supporting the parent?
7. I believe we need to submit a fresh affidavit of support (i-134). Does the I-134 affidavit require a cover letter signed by the kid supporting the parent?
8. I-134 requires supporting documents. Can I simply attach them as separate documents in the "Additional evidence you want to provide" section?
9. For I-134 supporting documents, as a salaried employee, can I simply attach latest monthly bank statement and a salary verification letter from employer? Any other documents recommended like payslips? I dont think ZIP files are allowed. Should I combine all I-134 supporting documents into a single PDF and upload?
10. Any other supporting evidence you recommend? Current tickets (return flight likely to be cancelled but not officially confirmed); Any documents about health conditions like hypertension; Any official government travel advisories; US travel/medical insurance for the extended duration?

Are you attempting to book new return tickets for 6 months later? Sounds too uncertain at the moment.

Thanks in advance!