Have you tried your local legal aid society. They handle a lot of social security cases and don't have the manpower issues you referred to. If you are not eligible for their services, they may be able to refer you to an attorney in your area that does handle them.
This is not a referral service.
You have the right to complain to the upper management of Dollar General or the person who owns the franchise. I am surprised you didn't know that. You also have the right to take your business elsewhere.
Federal judges are appointed for life, not elected so they have no need for campaign donations or would they be beholden to any interest group. No money is donated to federal courts.
When I served as a Small Claims Court Judge pro tem, although it was several years ago, all exhibits were returned to the parties and not kept by the court. The only thing in the file, was the original petition and response, if any.