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

I agree with what you're saying. Work from home/remote is becoming a standard, for better or for worse, and we're already running into issues with that. This is particularly the case with some users in the sticks who want to work off of Hughes Net satellite internet. To state the obvious: most of them end up coming on-site in the end lol

I will likely end up back with Spectrum, at least for some period. The reality for now is that I only need a temporary, cheaper, hold-over until I move here in the next couple of months. I wanted to give Spectrum the middle finger as long as possible due to price gouging since they're the only "Real" ISP that can service over 50mpbs to my current address. Hopefully the other ISP in my area will have fiber availability to my new condo here soon and I can pit them against each other finally.