@T3P3Tony I would have already bought a Duet 3 Expansion 1XD board if it were for me. Unfortunately, it is for a research project with EU funding. Life is too short to go through the pain they cause us to validate orders from suppliers abroad.
Before asking, I saw the question was answered on the forum, but I insisted in case there was some "not recommended" but workable solution. Once this is off the table, I will bump up the VIN voltage to 48V and use one of the 6HC built-in drivers for the pellet extruder.
As usual, thank you guys for a quick and informative answer.