There's no fee for attending them attending your home address. They clearly sensed weakness. Many immigration offices do the house visit by Line.
If next day isn't convenient then tell them so. Arrange another day.
As for the bribe, just neither of you mention it. Just leave it up to them to ask for it. Then if they do j just offer to pay by scan. At the end of the day, if your paperwork is solid, you're going to get your extension. They may make you wait a bit but, whatever, it's on its way.
As far as Thailand is concerned, it's where you physically are. So, if you're in Thailand and your'e working you need a work permit. Thems the rules.🤓
One senior ( and quite influential) police officer has expressed an opinion on how he believes that the requirements of the retirement visa are outdated and need to be amended. Now every blogger and YouTubers and some agents are stirring the pot in search of clicks.