> Is there such a thing as a popular (economical & readily available)
> chip that I should look at?

For general purpose use you might look at successors to familiar 16F
chips. The 18F4520 (40 pin), 18F2520 (28 pin), 18F1320 (18 pin) for
example. Then there are those with added features such as USB and
higher operating speed, like the 18F4550, 18F2550

It's not often I consider a 16F first for a new project

I agree about the size of the range now. You could be there all day
just looking

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