I've done it again

[mister_e]

Some PIC may have ADCs or else fancy multiplexed stuff on this port. You want to make sure they're disabled first, unless you will have some erratic results.

I usually use something a little bit different

PORTC21Value=PORTC & 3 

IF PORTC21 =1 then ...
if PORTC21=2 then ...
IF PORTC21=3 then ...

This read the whole PORT in oneshot and may override some RMW issue.

Make sure you have any kind of pull-up / down resistor in case you're reading PushButtons
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There's nothing bad with PicFlash. You need to set your config fuses in your code and when you import the .HEX file, it will import/change the Config Fuses for you.

You can lauch PICFlash in MCS. You need to add a programmer in the list. View>>Compile and program option>> programmer and folllow the instructions.

I use the following parameters line

-pPIC$target-device$ -f$hex-filename$ -e -w

HTH