One thing I DO like about the Caldwell Objects is that you've got a rough idea of an object's declination just from the number alone. At least the designation codes SOME useful information. Still, I don't use them much myself, although there are a couple that don't have NCG/IC numbers. Anyway, maybe I'll use them more after Patrick Moore dies, out of respect. (He's not dead yet, by any chance, is he?)
BTW, still waiting on the Micko catalogue
Cheers, Brian.