> can the gpu render to other display devices as normal?

Yep, it will just result in your driver showing up as another `fb` device. Then, you can configure the kernel fbcon boot parameter to use your display for tty, or launch X configured to use your fb device. This would also let you do fun stuff like run mpv pointed directly at the fb device without running X at all :)

I put my email in my profile, so feel free to message me if you need any pointers.