>From the Microchip website:
*"29645* Registered users have made *295085* posts in *101* forums.
There are currently *53485* topics."

For what it is worth, In my experience forums have a limited usefulness.
Most of the opinions expressed have little to no value. But sometimes
you get a real jewel, that solves your problem. I have signed up for
several in the past year, and given up after a few weeks. The Linux/UNIX
forums seem to be the most useful.

There is an independent review of the CCS compiler at:
http://www.microchipc.com/reviews/CCS_C/#samplecode
Of course it is pretty favorable, but not entirely. The free version
might not have all the features described.
From the review:
"CCS C comes with a lot of sample code - 70 complete projects,
demonstrating everything from an internet web servers to USB connection.
Every peripheral that the PIC micro has is demonstrated, in code."

Cheers,