1. I have always gotten very fast and accurate tech support when I've called MELabs. I'd even spend the little money to call overseas if I knew I'd get the phone support that good.

2. PBP is a Basic Stamp alternative, and little more. It is totally optimized for ease of use and foolproof code, not power, speed or efficiency.

3. You need to read your data sheets on how to set up your fuses.

I have never used PM--started with MPASM from the beginning--so I do not know what your issues are. Perhaps you could post some and some folks can offer suggestions.

Why not try the free version of Swordfish for your 18F project? I hear it is great, but only for 18F Pics. Proton compiler is also pretty good, and they have recently made updates.