It is really unfortunate that your spouse had to face the brute aftermath of covid induced delay.
I recall back in 2015 for the first H4EAD applied in May, my spouse got it only after an SR where we went to an USCIS office some time late October and we got the card approved message a day or 2 after. They had a similar comment that primary is working and there is no validity to my claim that I have severe impacted without an H4 EAD. She lost a job offer as well.
Worry not. Rest assured this time too will pass. The market is opening up, wish your spouse land up in a better job than what she lost!!!