For a decade and a half or more after the development of microprocessors, there were no such things, ... I've used a reset IC only about three times, and that was because a client specifically indicated he wanted to use one. I did that only because it was his money being used.

"For a decade and a half or more after the development of microprocessors" the code memory was not eletrically erasable. With the event of flash there is the possibility of a power up/power down 'mishap' altering the contents of the code memory.

Yes, I know that by this I am feeding your "let us go back to the stone age" arguments, but so be it.

Erik