The risks you have by not getting an onward flight is that your airline might refuse your boarding from the UK and if you get past that hurdle Thai immigration might refuse your entry to Thailand.
The only way you are guaranteed to not require an onward flight is if you have a long term Thai visa (e.g. retirement visa).
yes, anecdotally I think that is true, although I did my first report online (but that was over 2 years ago). I would still try it as there's nothing to lose if you do it online 14 days before the due date. If it gets rejected there is plenty of time to go in person.