support new parts
And it will continue to exist whilst microchip do! Stick with the big guns I say. I have often spent up big on the slightly better product only to see the business go broke after a few years.
I have an ICD2 and the only problem I have ever had is when I try to debug motor control circuits. Then again, electronics has gone from a career to hobby for me in the last 3-4 years so it does not get much use.
Dont write of Zilog or Atmel either, both have exceptional products at reasonable prices.