hi,
i have build AGV(Autonomous Guided Vehicule) wire guided ,(guidance,motor drive,communication rf,rfid,security system,flasher,battery monitor,station anti collision,i/o,etc,)with Pic18f and programmed with Proton,work very great(a 1,400,000,00$ for 7 machine and station).Basic is not only for the beginner,it's for save lot's of time,and asm is very prehistorical and waste your time.can can add in proton asm line if needed...
what you cannot do in basic(proton)?speed?for which application?
in ten years,never have any kind of problem with basic,low cost software,build a big robotic system and program it on the fly.
do a contest, with c,asm and basic,sure you see basic the winner!!!