You have to realize that as hobbiests, we are simply enjoying these devices because they are so prevalent in consumer products the sheer number allow them to be available and affordable. Things like pics and avrs are not manufactured with the hobby community in mind, they are first and foremost raw building blocks targeted towards oems. Some companies are more hobby friendly in terms of support than others, probably because the success of their products provides enough financial resources to do so, and it's good pr.