Not having a next to me crib??

Absolutely fine. As long as the baby stays in the same room as you for 6 months minimum and they have a good mattress which meets the guidelines along with a clear cot etc like you say, next2me’s are not essential ☺️

I second above. Next to me cribs are just popular for ease, as you can bring the side down, also in the early weeks a lot of babies like to feel abit snug, so sleeping in smaller spaces. I’ve found this with my second baby, he preferred to be in enclosed/cosy spaces and would shuffle to the side of his cot with his face right up against the mesh side. I agree that it’s another added expense, so I’d just go with the cot that you have, and if you have any trouble with baby not liking it then you can try different options from there x

I think next to me cots are so popular because most bedrooms don't have enough room for a full sized cot. Save the money! Some cot beds last until aged 4 and can have one side removed so you can use it as a next-to-me anyway

I do not regret getting one as sometimes simply extending my hand over calms the little one and he goes back to sleep... BUT I'm suffering with back pain ever since he was born and getting out of the bed while the crib takes half the lenght of the bed is a challenge. It gets to a point that I'm considering moving the crib away from the bed, which defeats it's purpose and I'm considering getting a cot bed to replace it sooner than I was planning (also hoping that the timing will ease the transition).
Go with your gut feeling - especially if the cot will be close to your bed anyway!
And perhaps consider one that can be transitioned to a toddler bed down the line and you will save a bit of cash in the future