It is truly amazing what you can get these days.

If the author had compared an Cortex M0+ part [1] there are lots available for < $1.

For me, the ability to use command line gcc and editor on Linux to program and debug these things is the real win. I know the new kids all want a fancy IDE but I get from starting vim on a blank screen to running blink in about the same amount of time it takes eclipse to start up.

Back in the day (2002) I like the PIC16F628 and even designed a board for it[2] but pretty much now I can't stand to program them.

[1] From 2012 -- https://www.electronicproducts.com/a-look-at-cortex-m0-and-m...

[2] http://www.mcmanis.com/chuck/robotics/projects/wsm.html Free PCB for that project to anyone who has postage ($1) :-) contact in my profile.