Dimmer for 4-way switch without neutral?

[ero4444 (Eric)]

there appears to be a code update that may be temporary, that allows cheat method, “NEC 2017 code in 404.2( C ) where the ground conductor can extend to the neutral”

search “neutral code ground switch limit 5”

2020-LATE-EDIT: NOTE THIS REFERENCE was misinterpreted by me by confusing “Grounding conductor” (AKA THE GROUND WIRE) and “Grounded conductor” (AKA THE NEUTRAL) - so this does method does not workaround the missing neutral. In short, this is not the easy fix I was looking for - END OF EDIT.

example

Light switch with no load

Most people are not aware of the recent change in the NEC 2017 code in 404.2( C ) where the ground conductor can extend to the neutral. But only for these smart switches. And no more than 5 of these on a circuit. Now I am writing this so you can determine what is possible and what is not. General rule of thumb is don’t be lazy, don’t take shortcuts. There are some other NEC codes that work together with this one. If you are not comfortable don’t do this. This is an exception not the normal. 404.2( C ) Switches Controlling Lighting Loads. The grounded circuit conductor for the controlled lighting circuit shall be installed at the location where switches control lighting loads that are supplied by a grounded general-purpose branch circuit serving bathrooms, hallways, stairways, or rooms…

It would seem to be somewhat less safe than a real neutral. I don’t see how it could be as safe unless the smart switch neutral was explicitly power-limited to some low current, only capable of driving its own smart guts.