the truth is that Microchip don't pay regular parts supliers as TI, Atmel, Freescale and tons of newbie brand actually do.

Microchip have their advantage, others too.

I actually use Ti, PICs, Atmel, Freescale and test drive few others. Each have their own advantages.... and there's this new stupid development package/tool debate and fight. You can have a full development package for < 20 USD now... but .. hum hum that's not something really serious... just attractive.

What make the real power is the human behind it, not much.