You have such a similar timeline to mine! awful you're still waiting. have you done any service requests or infopass? I had to do multiple SRs when my AOS EAD didnt come months after the notice, spoke to a few officers on their service line.

I would say definitely renew EAD through AOS since it's free and easy. Dont know if it precludes you from renewing through DACA too, maybe worth a try? did the lawyer say what happens if you submit applications for both EADs separately?

You are protected from deportation as long as your AOS is pending.

DACA is useful if there's any chance your AOS could be denied. You would know if you have a strong case, but these days you also never know, so renewing DACA may be worth the extra piece of mind