Andy - Perhaps it's worth considering the implementation details. If a guy is building something himself, he probably is working with perf-board rather than a PCB. If he was inclined to use an 8255, perhaps it was because it was conveniently packaged for DIY. I've found that "modern" parts live in "modern" packaging, which means haof-millimeter pin-pitch TQFP or other high-density packages, which are difficult to work with when using wire and soldering iron.

While the suggestion that he should use a part with all the I/O built in might be OK for someone building a PCB, if he's only building one or two of these "things" he's probably working with wire and soldering iron. Given that limitaiton, it probably would be best to focus on something he's likely to be able to complete successfully. Haywiring, even with a PLCC with 50-mil pin pitch, is pretty messy. If we want this guy to have a chance at succeeding, wouldn't it be best to keep him in safe territory?

RE