Allen & Heath XONE K2 - Why are MIDI and soundcard unresponsive with M1 M2 MacBook Pro (unless connected through Studio Display)?

Why does this core audio compliant MIDI controller only work with my M2 Max MBP when plugged in to my Studio Display's hub via either usb-c to usb-b (ugreen cable) or with a usb-a to usb-c adapter (anker) and the A&H's original cable?

In infuriating contrast, if either of these connectors go directly to a usb-c port on the MBP, it does not work. This was incredibly annoying when I took the new MBP to its first gig, as I had setup the new computer and prepared everything comfortably at my studio desk with the Studio Displays, and never imagined something like this would happen. I even tried a non-powered dock I had with me at the gig, in addition to the above cables, and although the layer lights showed up on the XONE K2 when plugged in, no MIDI was recognized, and no access to the soundcard.

I plan to update the firmware (which can only be done with Intel-based Mac or Windows (https://www.allen-heath.com/media/XK2_OFRN-1.pdf) - but all reports of this issue I've found so far either did not mention or claimed firmware update did not have an effect.

I can't take my Studio Display with me to gigs, so there has to be a better, less cumbersome solution. I just want to be able to do what I did with my Intel-based Mac. I even waited almost 2 years for v2 (M2) of Apple Silicon to hopefully avoid issues like this.

I'll report back if firmware update does anything, but I got a second XONE K2 recently, and that has the same issue. Not sure if it was manufactured before or after the last firmware update in 11/2021.