So, to answer my own question: I can absolutely leave off 360, no need to start it.

And using the 360 layer is a world of difference. (Slightly) longer track names, track colours, more info on the layers, and first and foremost: usable (stereo) meters. It's like the actual inner life of the controller comes to surface. I have only a slight idea where all functions are in that mode, I need to memorise a lot of stuff, but eventually, this device makes sense for me.

Thank you so much for clearing all the confusion. I still think having a native UF8 user script would be so much more elegant for Live (that's how other controllers integrate with it), especially without having to buy extra software to make it shine (which is also up to preference, as not everyone likes throwing SSL strips onto their tracks).