Best PIC chip..?..

[Delusional]

I am curious what is best all-round pic microcontroller in the 16f series? I know this is opinion, this is what i am asking. What is your opinion?

I do have a specific project that I am trying to pick a pic (lol) for. If anyone has suggestions this is a brief description of needs.

3 to 4 momentary contact switch inputs
3 to 4 LEDs triggered by mcu (not triggered directly from switches)
4 to 5 +5v 185ma coil relays triggered by mcu
in-circuit programming for 'field' upgrades
bi-directional serial to receive commands and transmit status

i know there will be 'go-between' components required for the relays due to the 185ma draw, i believe the pic pins max at 25ma?

for the bi-directional serial, the main goal is to have multiple pics 'talk to each other' over possibly 15 feet distance over CAT5e cable or similar. It could be a one-master/multiple-slave config. This would not be implimented right-away, just need the capability. Hence the need for 'field' upgrades.

Much thanks in advance for any advice.

[Archilochus]

I like the 16F628 and the 16F877. Nice solid, trouble free parts.

Arch