I think Years of GAP will not be a factor at all when you apply. They will only check, is the new course a progression from previous course. Do you have funds to support studies and yourself. Are you a genuine student or trying to just get to the country with no intention of returning.Congratulations,
As per my research on IRCC website and CIC news, it's up to you to start online after your AIP. If you want you can defer your intake and can wait for in-class study. You will be processed normally and after getting your second stage approval and visa approval if travel restrictions lifted you can fly and Star your in-person education.
I applied on 13 june SDD, and worried right now as I too have 8 year Study gap and didn't received any update.
Kindly let me know if you have any group of people with huge study gap like us.
Congratulations once again.