Ditching the crate would make the dog happier. House training him would teach him not to go in the spot. It's a win/win situation. :-)
If you know your dog cannot hold it for 10 hours, it does not matter where you leave him. But I don't think this is something you can really know until after your dog learns what you want him to do.
I have always had the best success by housetraining from the get go, in the house (not a crate), and letting the dogs be wherever they are most comfortable.
10 hours on a regular basis would worry me too much though. I would probably search the globe to find that one trustworthy letter-outer person.
I am not trying to be critical. Just hoping to help.
Jenn