AVR-Chat

For my next project, I'm fairly convinced that there are no reasonable 
PIC solutions that fulfill my requirements so I'm ready to switch over 
to the AVRs.

I need at a minimum 46 I/Os, which Microchip accommodates fairly easily 
but Atmel doesn't seem to have anything between 35 and 53 pins.  Since 
this is a 'one of' project, the ability to etch and solder by hand is 
something of concern.  I've trolled a bunch of data sheets but can't 
find a relatively easy to solder package with >46 pins from Atmel.  Did 
I miss something or do I just need to bite the bullet?

Second question:  My experience with LCDs is limited to working with 
serial->parallel shift registers in order to interface with the LCD. 
What is the general feeling about using a 'LCD' AVR as a possibly more 
convenient method of communication with the display?

Third question:  I have a ICD2 debugger which I use constantly when 
developing PIC based projects (stems from my inability to read my own 
code :)  What is the AVR equivalent in terms of ability and cost?  Am I 
correct in assuming that a decent AVR debugger will also do in circuit 
programming (The programmer I own is only capable of writing to very 
mature AVR products)

Looking forward to turning to the dark side of the Force,
Nate