Thanks for the reply. The hinge you suggested would be perfect. Watched the installation video on the site...lost me at "plunge router," and a bunch of other tools and skills I don't have. Looked great, though, and simple enough if I had an equipped shop.
I'm still hoping to find a simple leaf hinge that I can inset, even from the top...just so it's flush. I had considered some form of fabric or cloth hinge, too, as you suggested. Heck, that cheap recycled plastic carpet is thin enoigh that I could probably just glue it down over the whole top and it could BE the hinge. I've already got magnets embedded in the wings and supports..they work very well. Just trying to avoid gluing down carpet, to keep it easier to remove and clean.