One drawback about 4K HDR models is the lack of USB-C ports, which would’ve been needed if all other steps to make an Apple TV 4K workable fail. Depending on a mac device, either the Finder or iTunes can help restore an Apple TV device that contains such port or a microUSB port or a USB-A port.
Not entirely true. To pair Apple TV with HomePod, you go to Settings > Audio and Video (or Video and Audio) > Audio. There, the Apple TV will recognize any HomePod device as “temporary” device.
Of course, if your tvOS’s version is 17.0 or later, press and hold the monitor-looking button till the upper-right menu appears. Then select Audio and then select a HomePod device if it appears.
I don’t know what kind of “smart home stuff” you were referring to, but the Home app might work on tvOS. Right?