How far are we away from having a dedicated Hex option that goes directly to USB?

We seem to have a misunderstanding. No, you need a hex pickup/preamp for separate strings access, and sending six strings down a single cable is only available with the new BOSS GM-800 and divided pickup. The solution is total overkill and very expensive. Other options are a GP-10, and an SY1000 with usb separate strings, but that’s a lot of money to do something quite simple.
Your best bet is a standard GK hex pickup/preamp like a GK3, and a separate strings breakout cable.
See topic: Let's build a GK-3 break out cable - #26 by Separate-Strings