Indeed, if the lack of modem mode really is a deal breaker, then you have no option.
Historically if you look back at forum posts, then there are claims that modem modem was coming ‘late 2023’, ‘early 2024’, 'first half of 2024’, but here we are in October and still no sign of it. One golden rule is sign up for or purchase something on the grounds of what it does NOW, not what it may do, or is promised to do in the future - assume that what it does now is what it will ever do, and you won’t be disappointed.
There are numerous posts on Reddit, or indeed on here by people claiming that they managed to get modem mode working on a 5x by ‘xyz’ method, proof, actual documented proof is somewhat lacking though!
Honestly work on the basis that if you sign up with VM, you will get a 5x, modem mode isn't available and possibly will never be available. Yes you will have a double-NAT issue if you use your own router. Can you work around this?
