Uploading (edit with) multiple images to Affinity Photo

I am using Affinity Photo in lieu of Photoshop.
Is there a way to upload multiple photos (from C1) at a time to Affinity? This is handy for focus stacking or HDR.
I know that LR does this.

Also - I can't directly edit with Affinity. I have to go to Edit With - then Pick An App" - then Edit with Affinity.
Anyone else having this issue? I asked support about this a while ago and they agreed it was a bug.
I had hoped it was resolved.
Thanks.