If the OP wants a 1x10 he should just do it. It really isn’t that big a deal and not that much money. He does need to cover the low end for climbs and let the gaps fall where they might. No big deal unless it is used on the road for any distance. Gaps on a mountain bike never bothered me.

I ride 2x8, but with a 13t is like a 2x9 with no top end. But for me, I love overlap because I can run all 8 cogs with each chainring. I hate using the FD and usually only ride the 34t with the 13-40 cassette. If I really need to go lower, and there have been times, I’ll go to the 24. I really hate when I use the 24-13, which is rare and gives me a lot of slap, but for a short section it’s okay.

John