I know you are saying this, but as I said above I had the surgery done. I was in a similar situation as you explained here with all the “maintenance” and time it takes to cater to the neuroma. I finally was fed up with it and had the surgery done.
The recovery wasn’t bad and all that was left is a little scar on the top of my foot. I felt so much better after my recovery and regained confidence that I was able to train for 3 full ironman’s, countless half’s and a few marathons after the surgery. That is coming from someone who never ran in their lives.
I am just stating my experience and respect anyone’s opinion as to not have surgery.