ZinggJM:
For use with 3.3V processors I would still recommend the AIO board, unless minimal power use is required.
I think my application would count as one where minimal power use is required, so I'm open to considering other options too if you have suggestions.
For use with 3.3V processors and use of panel and separate connection board I recommend the DESPI-C02 from Good Display.
It's not that I specifically want to use a bare panel and a separate driver, I was just willing to accept the added complexity/space if it brought with it worthwhile benefits.
So if I'm understanding you correctly, I should probably just go with the AIO module... although there might be some other solution that used even less power...?