MAX 10M02 in quad flat pack

You'll be extremely luck if Altera consider releasing such a part. The hobbyist market is not really very high up their list of key markets.

However, I will suggest that the 144-pin EQFP is relatively easy to hand solder - the pins are no problem. The exposed ground pad on the bottom can be tricky. You'll need a heat gun to re-flow that and you'll need to be a good judge as to when it's reflowed. However, it's very doable. It must be connected to ground and, as Altera states, to the ground plane of your PCB.

And, if you 'need' a ground plane, you need at least 4 layers. However, 4 layers doesn't cost a great deal more than two.

So, I suggest you consider this route. As you're clearly aware, these devices are well worth the effort.

Cheers,

Alex