Mike,
EasyC is not the only option as you've noted. If your team is experienced enough to use MPLab, then use it. Your code must still comply with competition template.
The problem is that inexperienced teams are not using the competition template. and their robots will not work with the field control correctly. Several teams had to rewrite code the morning of the event. Not a fun way to pass inspection and start your competition day.
A more accurate statement would be - If using EasyC for FVC version 2.0 is mandatory.
Sorry for any confusion.
