Right here: "Why would I check that this service is performed by a subcontractor when it’s not- it’s performed by me, the sole proprietor?"

It doesn't have to be checkmarked, then. But you NEVER link an item to AR; you are going to put it on a Sales Receipt, or an invoice, and that item is your Income. Using an invoice is creating AR, already.

"And what should the expense account be?  My main biz checking account?"

You seem to be confusing Source of funds and the Reason or the Why funds left. I am giving you an attachment that is a handout I use to teach the Basics of the account types. When someone mentions assigning to Income, that means Revenue, not Bank. Bank would be the Destination, but Income is the Reason. When someone mentions "that is an expense account" that means Expense, not Bank. Bank would be the Source of the Spending and "office supplies expense" is an example of the Reason funds are being spent.

"I mean, I can’t ever see using an invoice for “purchases” as I’m not that kind of a biz.  I’m just a recording studio owner who bills artist clients through invoices."

Let's review: you show using DEP for income; that would be Sales Receipt using that same Service item for what you did. The same thing that you would list on an invoice, is listed on a sales receipt.

Sales receipt = I am also already paid for this date.

Invoice = I am charging them, it isn't paid yet, and the funds will come separately and later.

Both of these are your Sales processes. Both of these result in Funds to Banking.

"The fact I have to lie about it"

It's not a Lie. The recommendation was to set it up as a Provision. You don't have to do anything anyone tells you, here. We are explaining the tools. The point is, never link to AR because you overlooked Income. That item for "what I did for you, that you owe me for" is your Income activity.

"and say I’m using a subcontractor and link it to an expense account leads me to believe the QB Invoicing system is not for me."

Do not get out of control over this. A text based forum means we work together and back and forth, to narrow  down functions you use, how you use them, functions you didn't realize work better for you once we learn what your needs and operations are.

"Especially if invoices can’t “shake hands” with my downloaded bank reports as qbteachmt suggests"

Your Banking info is Verification. A Sales Receipt or a Payment against in invoice will be part of the Banking. We all use these tools.