M1 Big Sur catalog Backup

Another Mac M1 post about functionality. Mac Mini 16GB/2TB with Big Sur 11.6.5. I have looked for solutions in multiple forums without a positive outcome and am very familar with the pains of using PSE on Macs over the years. Currently using PSE 2020. I have issues with Beachball when using trackpad and scrolling through pictures, but that I can deal with even though it is frustrating. My current catalog has over 16k files. I was able to Backup Catalog 2 months ago to the same drive, after a couple attempts, but I am unable to to so now. I even tried a different drive. In BU Cat it goes through the usual steps for full BU and even lets me designate drive and folder. When I choose to BU "Please wait...prepares for backup..." Beachball spins irratically and Organizer program shows "not responding". I am cautious about upgrading to Catalina with Elem 2020 because it may make matters even worse. I am willing to purchase ANOTHER PSE version but am wondering whether I should get Elements 2021 or 2022. Another concideration in the mix is to upgrade to Catalina and whether to do that before or after I purchase a more recent Elements. Maybe this could help others in a similar situations. Please and Thank you.