I agree with you although I feel that all this (MPLABX IDE, C etc) is a steep curve. Time keeps me away from this and I guess for others too. Hobby is another thing and a hobbyist may have all the time to experiment.

Also I fell quite confident to start a new project anytime, very fast, with the MCSX and PBP. In no time the PIC is up and running without any cryptic syntax. With known limitations though.

Ioannis