While I completely agree with the content of the post, I still think that QFN packages in general, and RP2350's in particular, are very hobbyist-averse.
Moving all GND pins to the bottom pad makes this chip usable only by people with a reflow oven. I really hoped to see at least a version released as (T)QFP.
Isn't the hobbyist solution to just build a board to which you can attach an entire pico board? That does preclude some things and adds $3, but it makes for a pretty easy prototyping path.
Hard disagree. A TQFP package this dense is still quite challenging for a hobbyist. Just use a breakout board, dev board or get the QFN assembled for you at jlcpcb
Moving all GND pins to the bottom pad makes this chip usable only by people with a reflow oven. I really hoped to see at least a version released as (T)QFP.