> will happily receive packages on my behalf.... and I could sample
> a lot more than before

I'd say, in your position, get what you can how you can. Microchip
must realise that people get their mates to sample too. Every now
and then I need to prove a concept that requires more than the sample
limit. So I get someone else to sample as well. I don't feel that's in
any way cheating or abusing the process. If two people are working
on the same project, does that count as one project or two people ?
The intention is usually there to develop a product, so there's a genuine
need for them

As mentioned in the other thread about distributors, low quantities
can be hard to get (or expensive) locally, and new products especially
are subject to MOQs. Even established micros too if the distributor
does not normally hold stock

I keep tubes of general purpose PICs (10F, 12F, 16F, 18F) and that
takes care of most day-to-day business. If you're really serious about
making things with PICs, maybe you should do the same. I'd suggest
a tube of 12F675 and one of 18F1320. Anything else, eg bigger I/O
or particular function, sample

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