Maybe CopyTrans Manager is the one, (it is different to CopyTrans), Backup iPod to PC,copy songs from iPod to computer,iPod to iTunes (this is their website)
Suggests iTunes is not needed.
Looks like the way to go. They have lots of iPod utilities but CopyTrans Manager is probably exactly what you were looking for.

The UserGuide: CopyTrans Manager Guides and Manage iPhone and iPod without iTunes . It looks easy to use.

I am a mac user but iTunes is the best we have for organising music, etc. But I am not over enthusiastic about iTunes despite using it for over 10 years. I've hated some of the limitations or changes they have made to it. Of course they want people to buy from their iTunes Music Store. But some people simply want to listen to their own ripped CD music and not buy mp3's/aac's. I have iTunes blocked in my firewall "lol". I have no need to waste bandwidth for their commercial advertisements or audiobook interviews downloaded without me knowing.