One of the main reasons ....

SECOND source availability !!

You can select a device from ANY manufacturing company and still use your old code for the 8051/2 based chips.

With microchip, you have ..... microchip. No alternative source available.

Today, many compilers and assemblers are widly spread to fill in your needs.

If you like to shorten develop-time, choose a good C-based compiler and build a GOOD library.

You may want to use Code directly from internet. Remember C is C. No matter what your target board is based on (PC,8051 or PIC).

BTW. They come in small quantitys and low prices too !!

Best Regards