I like the drone. I think it is unique in its kind. I don't see it as exclusively designed with GoPro. I've also read some other reports to complain against the gimbal, despite the fact in boards like this one their camera is praised. If you go to any professional cinema forum, shooters don't even complain because everyone know the limitations of the device. But, maybe you are right. Hence to come here before to buy it. Posts like yours are welcome because promote the discussion and bring some another viewpoint rather helpful any time.I'm still baffled.
Why do you still want a Solo? You don't want GoPro or the gimbal for it.
Apparently it's just the Solo airframe itself you're interested in as a base for your own custom drone.
If that's the case, why not put your own drone together? Or at least consider one that's not designed from the ground up around GoPro? It seems as if you're actively trying to make things as difficult as possible for yourself.
Its kinda like saying you definitely want a Prius - but not that damned annoying hybrid engine it comes with.
There are other people trying the workaround, but perhaps the result may be deceptive in the end. We are not stuck at Solo. Just checking all possible routes. Please if you have something worthy to be posted here, we appreciate.