Hi dunkemhigh,
Thank you so much for your kind words.

Is the micro capable of ICD programming (i.e. using a debug cable rather than bootloader)?
Yes, it is. Check out the breadboard image for an example of how we connect the ICSP adapter when flashing the chipkit bootloader into the cores using an ICD3.
The pins on the board to board connector as well as the IO breakout are intentionally arranged such that GND,3.3V,MCLR,PGC,PGD are all next to each other for those who are comfortable with using ICD/PICKit programmers.