This may be a dead one here, but I use on a production site a base variable product that you can pick color, size, and connection types (zipper, buckles) then I use another component to bring accessories like bags, hats, or whatever. So my base is a hidden variable product, then the accessories are a hidden product bundle that both pull to the main composite product. I did it this way for stock tracking and management of individual products. Has worked well the last five years.
Same here, any resolution found?