not an expert, but you should be able to config everything in the cli.
I was wondering the same thing, are these boards still usable? they are real cheap now, but id buy another board rather than attempt full cli config.
I just completed my first build, using a matek f722-std with their PDB/VTX, and ive got to say it was fairly easy, most of the connections are done through a ribbon cable
originally, the only soldering i did was the motors to a 4in1 esc, 5 wires from the esc to the flight controller, 4 for the camera and another 4 for the Rx
ive since added a gps and some leds, and its still a very tidy build.
the point im trying to make is that the cost of the flight controller was well worth it.