Like riding a bike your first time - it's only hard or intimidating until you learn it. C is similar to BASIC in many ways, but it does have a much longer learning curve.

I recommend you learn assembly at some point also since you can drop-in .asm routines that will speed things up where canned functions aren't an option.

C is a lot of fun, and a good C compiler offers a lot of built-in goodies you just won't find in any BASIC compiler, but the BASIC language is hands-down the easiest to start with & see immediate results.

The BASIC Stamp is a good indicator. Lots of folks get started with the Stamp then migrate to more powerful (and much less expensive) alternatives like the PIC & BASIC compilers.

Part of my job is evaluating compilers. PBP & Proton+ are the best (IMO) at present. CCS & Hi-Tech in the C category - with CCS being the best for beginners. Tons of examples with CCS to get you started.