Where I work (in the Australian branch of a major Japanese electronics
corporation) PICs are seen as good serious devices. Even PICAXEs are
popular in some applications. I've never heard anyone say or imply
that they were hobby devices.

Cheers,
Zik
-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist