Besides Proton Compiler, there is also Great Cow Basic that is promissing too.

As for programmers I have a professional Elnec one for many chips, not only PIC.

But also daily I use Pickit2 or Pickit 3 with a stand alone Interface the Anobium Pickit Plus that is supported and includes new devices in the updates https://pickitplus.co.uk/Typesetter/

The MPLAB IPE is really a pain for me... Was very happy that I found the stand alone application that gives life to Pickit 2/3 devices.

Ioannis