When can I JUST use TM internet modem as ONLY a modem, in BRIDGE mode, with NO NAT, NO firewall, and frankly NO Wifi.

Agree that is the perfect solution if all you are using internet for is a very limited number and type of device, and need zero configurations to enable other services.  For instance, my mother's setup is ONE WiFi connection to ONE computer, unless I'm visiting.  If that's the market TM is after, then fine.  But cord cutters are likely going to be connecting 20-30 devices, and then add thermostats for my AC and heat, all the new cameras, doorbells, garage door openers, sprinklers, my plumbing connections, and eventually toasters and my refrigerator.  Does TM really expect to make these types of customers happy??  Good luck with that, but it is NOT going to go well for TM if they try.

But, my point was that it is MORE difficult to provide settings, setup and especially tech support than it is to SIMPLY ENABLE PASS-THROUGH with a minimum of services and settings.  That way, there's a clear line of responsibility from them to me.  More importantly, TM can provide 100% of what I need at extremely low cost, and high reliability.

If they are going to maintain all the settings of my network, then they will very often need to send a networking expert out, since I generally have at least one device that isn't working properly.  Then sometimes the problem is setup, firmware on the device OR the WiFi, or physical cable, or sometimes it is my router setup.  Someone that has that capability to straighten out all my networking problems is going to cost TM at least $50 PER call, and most often, it will NOT be their problem.  In short, they'd be crazy to even want to try to provide that level of service.  NO internet provider that I know of today, provides that kind of service.

I've never had any need to even try to log into my Spectrum Modem.  Why would I ever need to??  regardless of what the problem is, assuming it is getting 115 VAC, a tech MUST come out to do the repairs to either the cable or a modem replacement.  The ONLY thing Spectrum ever has to do, is to read the logs, which tell them how many times it rebooted, what the signal level and bandwidth is now, and the history.  They can also see if it has DNS, DHCP to the first device, and even if it is connected properly to my hardware.  Then, they might send a tech out.  Most often they replace connectors on the cables, inside or outside my house, or sometimes the cable modem itself.  But, ALL of that troubleshooting is INSIDE the modem.  My only involvement might be to reboot it via power down, and to make sure it is still getting power.   If there's ANY OTHER network problem, it is MY SOLE responsibility and labor.