Now that I've read most of this thread, I find all this PIC-bashing rather entertaining.

Microcontroller-wise, the vast majority of my experience has been using a '51 derivative, but I have used many other architectures. I find that (for me) there is an inverse correlation between bias and income (bias not limited to processors, by the way).

There's a saying: "Opinions are like [excretion portals] -- everyone has one."

That said, 8052.com members do realize of course, that the AVR bigots, H8 bigots, etc. etc. etc. bigots, view our 8051 architecture with equal disdain as you all do the PIC.

There are many layers in the 'nice architecture' hierarchy. In some people's minds, where the 8051's falls in that hierarchy might differ from yours.

Just a heads-up.