I don't get on here much these days, but just have to throw in my 2 cents:
It's not just using one IDE, but the Microchip tools work within their IDE and Mikro wants you to use ALL of their (I agree - expensive) tools. I wouldn't want to have to build my project in one IDE then have to switch to another to load my hex file into the chip.
Yes, you can use their compiler without the libraries, but for a LOT less money I find SourceBoost is one of the better compilers out there (try about $70.)
I used to use CCS in the way P.H. Anderson does, but like Mikro, their stuff is kind of expensive. At least their compilers work within Microchip's IDE.
I did work with a friend on a project, and he used one of Mikro's older boards. Great set of features on that one, but one issue I became aware of is that even within their products, the older boards will not work with the newer tools, so when you use the newer IDE from Mikro, you also must update the development board. The board we used was full of features, but cost more than a couple of hundred delivered.
I guess I was spoiled because the board I got for ~ $60 from Comfile in Korea has an ICD connector, 8 leds, 8 push switches, 8 slide switches, 4 high quality potentiometers, keypad connector, DS1302, DS1620, 24LCxx EEPROM, piezo, logic high/low test, max 232 and serial connector, power supply and a canned oscillator. It will work with low mid and high range DIP packages, and has sockets for each pin count - (5 sockets) all mounted in a case. They don't make these anymore, so if I wanted to replace it probably would have to pay more. (have a project to reproduce this board on my to do list, and will share that here if I ever get back to it...)
I think Blueroom hardware is a good value for the dollar though.