First of all, I am so sorry this is happening to you. I understand it is frustrating to run into these issues with new updates. Some answers to your issues:
1. For the "paid content" download issue, try checking what fonts you have used in the project. Some fonts which were previously free are now part of the Premium subscription. Replacing these fonts will allow you to download your projects.
2. To access your old files, you can go to "Your Stuff", and there is a highlighted option that says, "Looking for files created with the prior version of Adobe Express or mobile app? We got you." Click on "Access files," you can find your old files there and move them to the new desktop version.
Is there a list now of free fonts? I'm using the educator version that my district gives us and it seems that every font I choose is a paid font. Any help would be greatly appreciated.