So,you belive this problem nothing to do with the EPIC programmer nor the software,that would be PBP version 2.47.My first thought is that the problem might come from the EPIC programmer as it was stated in the melabs website recommending a 0.1 uf cap between the power line?.Is that really neccessary?.I don't face any problem with the programming.So it's 50-50 in my mind.

Actually , i made this circuit in perf board(donut board) or point-to-point soldering board with 16mhz crystal and a 4.7k pull-up for mclr.That's all.