No you cannot use the plugin without CM. The plugin will export to the Kindle only in a way that allows CM to import into the collections configuration data.
There is an easy bundle to allow the 5.4.2.1 update to apply (since Amazon now tries to block downgrades) but I forget where, plus I'm typing this on my Kindle

, so I can't post a link. If no one else does by the time I get to the computer, I will find and post it.