>So yes there is a alternative or two, but only for small values
>of "alternative".  Actually the only one I can think of off the
>top of my head that supposedly is more than a toy is XCSB.

Well this does seem to be a reasonably comprehensive set of alternative 
tools.

http://www.mikroe.com/en/compilers/

At least two more languages than Microchip provides ...

There are other providers of basic for PICs, in various forms as well. I 
haven't had a chance to 'play' with any of these alternative languages, so 
cannot comment on the quality of any of them.

I had the impression that JAL is a reasonably mature item as well, even 
though you seem to write it off. 

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