I just got done listening to the pod about if you can mix and match Transmission derailluers with non trans drivetrain parts.
You can and it works perfectly. I have this on two of my mtn bikes. One enduro, one hardtail.
I am running a XO and a GX transmission derailleur on the bikes with Garbaruk 10-52 cassettes and regular Eagle chains and Eagle Chainrings. It works like a charm.
Only thing you need to do is use a 2.5mm freehub cassette spacer like you find on like a XDR. Then just set it up like regular transmission. Use micro adjust to make any fine tunes.
On my enduro bike it was literally plug and play, didn’t even have to change micro adjust.
Benefits:
Transmission derailluer so no dropout to worry about and strength.
No limit screws to mess with or back out (looking at you regular Eagle).
Quicker shifts than Transmission. The multi shift is still slower, but your thumb is the limiter if just hitting at a rapid fire pace. Faster than Transmission.
Cheaper parts and not locked into the eco system. Can run after market parts and regular Eagle chains which are cheaper.
Cons:
None that I have found
P.S.
I have another bike with full transmission (XXSL) on it, so I know how it behaves.
Also I don’t have experience with running a shimano cassette, but figure it would work the same depending on free hub length and gear spacing.