Prototype development for graphic LCD designs..

Unsure if this is the appropriate location for this question, so pardon the potential misclassification.

I'm wondering what others have leveraged when faced with prototype development needing a semi-custom
graphic LCD design. In my case COB modules are too large for compact dimensions, COG locates the
controller inconveniently on an awkward extension of the glass, and suitable COF and TAB configurations
seem unavailable.

The problem is not finding the actual LCD glass (ballpark resolution of 160~192 x 32) which isn't too
difficult, nor finding a suitable interconnect which will dovetail with the design in the form of Zebra or
carbon tape conductor is an issue. But rather finding a controller solution in some sort of reflowable
package is near impossible. At such graphic densities most die are gold bumped chip scale for COG
usage or bare dice for COB wine bond out. The latter is fine for production but for limited run prototype
it is too involved.

I'm looking for some sort of a compromise of a multi-package solution in something like an MLF
chip scale package but have come up empty handed. Has anyone found a source for controllers
agreeable to custom prototype construction? Semi/full custom LCD isn't really a viable option yet
due to the skunkworks budget.

Thanks!