Jeff. You've not made it clear if you're reporting problems you've had while using your own ARM computer(s), or just commenting on reports and comments posted in various forums. Would you kindly clarify.
Re your main complaint about MIDI Clock not working when using Logic and VEP (AU3) on an Intel processor: it works for me (on macOS 12.6, latest Logic and VEP). Just now I've tested it using various VI Pro (latest) instruments with factory preset internal sequences, and also using some of (latest) Kontakt's sequenced drum loops in the Factory Library. In both cases Logic can start and stop sequence playback in these instruments in VEP, either triggered live from a MIDI keyboard or from a programmed MIDI region. Also these sequences change playback speed in real time in response to tempo changes I make in logic. Perhaps there are other built-in sequencers in other instruments that won't sync with Logic's timing via VEP - would you specify actual examples you've encountered?
You haven't said which particular AU2 VEP multi-port workaround gave rise to the many hanging notes you speak of. Of the two workaround designs I know about, one from VSL and one from a third party, neither is a faultless solution, as proved by some stress-testing reported by a member of this forum. Nor can there be a perfect solution constructed for VEP AU2 in Logic's Environment (I can back up this assertion with digital realtime comms theory if you're interested). Those stress tests showed that the 3rd party workaround (provided by Dewdman42) is far MORE prone to the hanging notes problem than the factory workaround. Actually I don't believe there can be a less error-prone workaround than VSL's ultimately simple one. In the past I've used VSL's AU2 workaround without encountering the "stuck notes galore" problem you've reported; which might be because I kept the port count per VEP instance low, as recommened by VSL.
I certainly agree that setting up a large and complex template for VEP (AU3) with Logic is a lot of work, but I'm currently getting good results with mine - in between Logic crashes!
I'll have a bet with anyone who'll stake $1000, that we have NOT come to the end of life of the VEP server for Logic and VEP running on ARM processors.
I'll just add this: it's worth being VERY cautious, Jeff, about claims made in various forums about this or that problem or about tricks for solving or getting around them. Unfortunately for the majority of us, there are a few individuals out there whose craving for attention, adulation and validation on social media far outweighs their abilities to provide useful and reliable information, and who have little or no conscience about that. In my experience this particular forum is generally one of the very best, in that the vast majority of members who post here clearly value truth, honesty and integrity very highly and are able to communicate perfectly well, no matter how short on technical knowledge or expertise they may be in some particular topic.