It would be possible to debate the merits of PPM versus PCM indefinitely but the truth is they each have their own benefits and disadvantages and people will always hold their own opinions as to which is "best".

Thank God for choices, that's what I say :-)

Just about the only thing I think we can all agree on is that plain old PPM gear with a "dumb" decoder (such as the many park-flier receivers and those sold by Hitec and others) are not the best choice in today's noisy RF environment -- particularly when there are cheaper alternatives that offer far better interference rejection.

You may be flying dumb PPM and never have been hit. In such cases it's tempting to say "plain old PPM is fine for me" -- but tomorrow your plane might end up biting the dust due to a burst of interference or a wayward transmitter on the same channel as you and you'll quickly change your mind. PCM and smart PPM are like insurance -- you never need them until you do -- and if you don't have them then -- well it's just too late.