Xiaofan Chen wrote:
> 
> I agree with you that ICSP has its place and indeed in my current
> company (typically low quantity), many firmwares are loaded
> in testing stage through the tester.
> 

Of course, this is not a case of having to choose only one or the other; 
both  can be used.  Preprogrammed chips can be assembled onto a board 
that also has ICSP provision.  Then the ICSP can be used if needed later.
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