> Why is it though, that the PIC line seems to have so many exceptions,
> gotchas, and "features"?

Is it not just that the PIC community is adept at pushing the boundaries of
the devices they use? I have not seen any specs in the pin protection area
of these devices that is really different to any other CMOS chips. It is
just that "our" community is so into doing things with minimum parts :)

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