Peter - I also am interested to hear what NAD has to say about your proposed work-around to the Roon problem on the M33. Please let us know when you get a reply. I also own an M32 so this is relevant.
NAD Electronics is very aware of the situation and have spoken with ROON about their certification process regarding NAD BluOS Enabled products with a detailed front panel display.
NAD is confident the NAD M10 and C658 will be certified before then and no foreseeable hurdles with the NAD M33 or newer products entering the certification process and will continue a great relationship with ROON Labs. Due to the nature of the certification we cannot provide an ETA at this point, but rest assured this is being worked on.
Also please note that at this point no NAD or Bluesound devices are Roon certified. They are Roon endpoints. The certification is in progress.
I have M32 and M12 with BluOS module and both work perfectly well with Roon.
I'm not sure what "Roon certified" means, but as far as I can see, as long as it's a "Roon endpoint" it'll work with Roon.
Roon endpoint is I believe the new expression for Roon ready.
In any event, don't think that M10, M12, M32 or M33 won't work with Roon - they will.
Radioactive - are you any nearer making your decision? I should get my M33 on Friday so will be able to compare it directly with my M32. I'll hopefully notice an improvement, but I suspect it won't be massive as the M32 is already so good. Peter