Hi,
I don't know about programming PICs but I can offer to make a design without microcontroller.
The circuit would mainly consist of a dual Flip-Flop (one for OFF/ON) and the other one for PWM (respectively phase control).
I also made a phase control circuit using an ATMEL ATTINY2313 with an ON/OFF option via remote switch and precise phase control from zero to 100%. This circuit is under test now and initial tests are promising with a 500W brushed AC motor to be followed by a 1,500W motor and later up to 5KW motors.
This circuit consists of two PCBs mounted as a sandwich to fit into a standard US wall outlet.
Boncuk