Ijaz: they also can't afford the development tools.
Who can not afford FREE?

Steve: I see that 92% (approx) of the 8255 uses could be replaced by one or two latches.
In such cases, there is no need for a (C)PLD.
The 8255 is so out of timing (note timing, not time) that it creates more problems than it solves.
I am aware of the difference between the approach of a hobbyist and a professional; however many hobbyists become professionals some day and when I see them in a professional environment they STILL want to use the darn antique.
If you read my postings on this issue, I do not state "do not" I merely say "why".
I have no knowledge if the user of the antique is a hobbyist or a budding professional.
I am sure that some of the posters appearing as amateurs by their postings in fact are professionals with no previous '51 experience.
If you can create a mark amateur/professional, I shall gladly hold my tongue when someone marked amateur is talking about the 8255.
I also know that many uses of the 8255 are from copying legacy schematics where newer approaches just were not found.

Erik