> Switch polling question:

> * Does anyone have advice on how to avoid switch poll misses?

Avoid use of Pause or anthing else that will slow down your main program loop.

> Interrupt question:
> I assume the 16F876 has at least 3 interruptible pins...

See Datasheet Section 12.10 especially 12.10.1 and 12.10.3.

> * Are interrupts fast?

'fast' is a relative term. 1uS using your 16F876-04/SP. But getting around to servicing the interrupt is a different story altogether.

> Timing is critical in my application.
> Will having interrupts going off every time a user hits a switch cause slowdowns?

Not if your programming is any good.

> I might want to use TMR to capture player reaction times. Will interrupts stop or interfere with the clock?

Not unless you program it that way.