Hi, @Baobab_Dob
Welcome to community. 
Firmware updates are free… You don’t need to pay to download it from the Firmware & Documentation- Peplink
Please… go to Peplink Router Comparison | 5G, LTE & Multi-WAN for Business & Home - Peplink and check your devices features.
Check at https://download.peplink.com/resources/peplink_sdx_pro_faq.pdf
and for
The Speedfusion, Bonding, WAN smoothing will keep working, because both devices are not primecare.
SFC - SFC - Peplink
It is a cloud service and need to be renew when the quota ends.
What is SpeedFusion Connect (previously known as SpeedFusion Cloud)?
SpeedFusion Connect is Peplink’s infrastructure that provides access to a global network of SpeedFusion endpoints and technology without requiring additional hardware.
So… you are correct about loose the IC2, hardware warranty and technical support.