"What is RTFM?"

It is probably pinned on the wall of every tech support office: "Read The Fine [1] Manual"

"the uVision 1 opportunity."

I'd say uVision-1 is history, not an opportunity! ;-)

"I spend time on commercial compilers to let me evaluate the products ... the old version should be good enough for my own applications"

Indeed, but don't base your opinion of the current commercial product (uVision-2) on your personal experience with the old uVision-1; uVision-2 is a vastly superior product.
uVision-1 is definitely from a former age!

You didn't say what vintage of Zilog & IAR tools you were using, but take care that you're not comparing modern Zilog & IAR tools against the old uVision-1.

[1] Other options for the 'F' are available... ;-)