[AB] Most reliable Shaw cable internet setup

Hi there, I'm thinking of getting the Shaw 60 package, and want to know what's the most reliable setup? Based on research I've done so far, it seems like the DPC 3825 (in bridged mode) is the most reliable setup. Is that still true today for Shaw? I already asked Shaw about nodes. The node in my area seems to not be saturated. Also in terms of usage, I will mainly be using a wired connection directly to the modem, but sometimes will switch to wireless if in another room, and my phone will be hooked up to the wireless. Does using gateway mode dramatically drop reliability vs bridged mode? Also I don't have my own router, so I would prefer not to have to spend extra money to get one, unless I absolutely have to. I have also heard the combo modem/router devices Shaw uses have security issues, as in, Shaw is able to see your personal computer data when the device is on gateway. Is this true at all, or bogus?