Unless there is a genuine batch problem >99% of failures are user-caused. Inexperience, incompetence, unstable cups of coffee, 'little knowledge/learning is a dangerous thing', forgetfulness, 'I know better than the manufacturers' , whatever... even a slip of the finger.
I've used tons and sometimes if one pops I blame the chip obviously. Then I look at what I've done and realise I've boobed. The 'seemingly no reason' often turns into 'what a tw*t'.
I honestly doubt if Microchip have cut back on static protection such that it is, but none of these things are bullet-proof. I would agree that in most cases they go from box to customer but they are quite robust. And after all, the Fs are designed for re-programming (and flash write/read). But ATEOTD, most protection of the device is in
your hands, the circuit designer.
Example: Read the FLIPPING Mchip Data Sheet and check out their recommended MCLR circuit - how many of you use it? Check out pro development boards - they've usually got it. So, up to you.
And plugging in while power on? Oooh, if you were unlucky and legs touched in the wrong order and your circuit wasn't good then you could have power going up the wrong hole. Yeah, I know you've been doing it man and boy , but NEWBIES beware - don't do this unless your parents give you their credit card and you don't mind waiting for delivery.
I was a little confused by DPG's paragraph 2. As there was no punctuation in it I wasn't sure whether he meant that
because they get powered off/on a lot that this means they get flashed a lot. Or maybe it was a list of possibilities - punctuation often removes ambiguities
Must be that old keyboard of his.
Bottom line; PICs - pretty tough, not indestructable and rely on a certain level of brain-power by the user. Developers should ALWAYS have a (quality) variable I/V bench PSU. Dumb not to unless you're a kid on a budget. Breadboards should really be OFF when twiddling. Data Sheets should always be read. And I should take notice of my own advice.
And Newbies - please start off with the cheapest dev/project board you can. You may think you saved some dosh, but if you blow it using your first hairy bread-board cos you mucked up then it's out with Mummy's credit card again innit. Oh and don't forget RTFM.
Don't blame the tools.