Fear of the command line is a result of inadequate knowledge of what you're doing. Just because Windows doesn't cause your computer to HCF (halt and catch fire) immediately doesn't mean it's better than the command line.

The reason people pay lots of $$$ for a Windows-based product is because they're too dumb, or too lazy, to learn how to use the free tools. Usually it's because they're too lazy and someone else is paying the bill. If Erik had to pay for the Keil toolset himself each time he started a project, he'd be using SDCC. Since his employer pays the bill, he doesn't mind the cost, since it's spread over many projects.

When you have to pay for things, i.e. when your development software becomes part of your deliverables, you use the "free" stuff and put up with any slight inconvenience.

RE