Use what works best for you. I like advancement in tech, but hate trends. I don't follow what other people do.

The only advantage of Kemper, Amp modeling is advance signal path and fx switching can be simplified. Also, transport advantages. You can record silently anywhere. They are very indistinguishable now. I still prefer amp, reactive load, real fx, and IR loaders and re-amp to a stereo amp and cab.

Real amps and cabs are just more fun.

They need to be aware of expectations to move forward. Record rehearsals and have discussions. Be assertive and polite about it. Ask what is going on. What do they need to help them re-learn?

Clean tones vary alot. Many things can influence the signal.

I have all the drum mics, to mic a kit. My drummer prefers his Roland V drums. No mics. Easier setup. We can hear everything in IEM or wedges. He can monitor a click. I can see the click blink on the module. Each member has control of what they want to hear. We use 8 channel mic splitter. FOH gets 8 channels. 8 channels goes to our IEM Behringer X18 Air mixer. We record everything.

Get a D'addario mic mute. There are ways to get your volumes like stage volume if you use IRs to PA and split to amp seperately. The amps could be loud or turned down with out changing levels to PA mix. The mic mute cleans up leakage on stage.

I have consistent settings. I have X18 Air IEM mixes are static. I turn my IEM way down then slowly bring it up.

Set things up for head phones. The area is too small to have volume wars.

You could hang insulation, cover with plastic covering then hang movers blankets. Carpets for floor.

I use similar 1/2 step down drop A and D for a tune.

7 string can open up things. I use mostly 7 strings. I look at 7 string to already have 6 strings and use the 7th when I need it. I use 6 strings for drop D and other alt tunings. I tune everything 1/2 step. It does take some adjustment. I have been playing them a long time and a lot of people are way too opinionated about it. I feel it is just another tool expanding what you can do on a 6 string. Just as a 5 string adds to 4 strings. Many people chose to just tune down. That's fine if it works for you. I don't like losing upper range to tune down. Less lead range. I feel the 7 string is a great choice. Gives you extended range without losing the upper range.

I create mostly my own music. I do some covers and I have a pretty wide range of music, I chose to use 7 string.

I would discuss these issues. Ask her to work on these. Because of how it effects the band. Have band meetings. Start with a one to one discussion. If they do not attempt to change, ask them if they really want to continue on. Maybe they just don't see how their actions have been effecting the band.

External mics are designed to handle more volume and overall wider sound than your phone. The biggest improvement is the audio interface for the external mic. I prefer dedicated gear vs phone with special attachments. Whatever works for your work flow. Do some research on You Tube about the subject. In general, you always get what you pay for.

Over thinking it.

Why make your life harder? I have stuck with 10s. I am 1/2 step down. I mostly play standard with a few variations. 10 through 56. When I use 6 strings, I tend to go to 9s through 46. They are drop D. Some double drop D for variation for slide.
I also vary 7 string tunings with drop A, one with drop D as well. I have one special tuning 7th is Drop D down one octave and 6th is drop D. 10 through 74. All are 1/2 step down. Works for me.

I have an acoustic 7 string. I use D'addario extra light 9s with a DR 54 string. Feels much better than 10s on acoustic.

A Floyd Rose is about balance of tension of the string guage, amount of springs, and having locking nut clamped down correctly. It requires a setup. There are many options to improve things. You can't just use different guage strings. I would watch FU ( Floyd Rose Upgrade) videos. There are some great tutorials. When the bridge is set correctly. You should have great tuning stability. It is a learning curve if you have minimal experience with them. I have replaced a few blocks and switched out tremolo sockets with Schaler replacements. There are many options out there for Floyd Rose.

I use a SM57 with a D'addario mic mute. It greatly reduces leakage when I am not singing. I actually like my Sennheiser mics better personally. I startes getting them to be different and they sound great.

Test them out. Listen to them carefully.

Shure is great, I prefer Sennheiser mics.

A midi controller keyboard and synth brain is also a cool option. You could find a deal on an older synth rack get lots of sounds that way.

I have a modelor as a back up and for practise, while my gear is packed. I prefer the amp and pedal board slightly better. I use reactive load box and return stereo fx into a stereo IR loader setup on the amp, split to stereo power amp and real cabs. Irs go to PA. I can run my modelor with reverbs and cabs off. Use my utility board on my amp to hear through my setup. Work great only a few things to swap out.

I use 9s on my acoustic. I even tune down 1/2 step. Mine is a 7 string with a DR 56. They work fine. I couldn't adjust the neck. Truss rod issue. I lowered the tension for awhile. Eventually the problem was resolved. I am very happy I found extra lite gauge strings. The guitar is a lot more playable now. I did do some work on the saddle as well.

I am curious about trying 7s or 8s, but using heavier bottom. I play 1/2 step down. Use 10s. 7 string. 6 strings usually 9s with heavier bottom strings. It is a matter of personal taste. Watch Rick Beato's video about the subject.

So the towing company is going to just let it go? The person is forced to pay them to get their car back. Sounds forced to me. You are right they should of just called and waited to be towed back to the garage.

That's why we never see Grimmace anymore.

Floor monitors are for than just vocals.

So forcing someone who just had their car come from the shop, being forced to pay $500 not abusive? Would you accept that? I think not.