C Crosscompiler for Microchip PIC18Fxxxxx series

Just to sahre experiences:
I narrowed down to these 2:
a) Microchips own "C18"
b) HiTech C, HOWEVER it no wmerged with Microchip.

SO there's really no corporate competition, it's just 2 products form the
same company, where C18 is great for middle-range and HiTechC Pro is for the
highest end optimization, but I am not willing to pay almost $1000.
My C18 is $400, and it's free for the first 60 days & to students.

I use ICD3 Debugger/Programmer.