Really depends on what you mean by x86. If you're talking 16-bit real mode code, it's pretty straightforward -- C in assembly form, largely. If you're talking pmode code, modern asm, I tend to agree. I hope this rekindles an interest in 6502 asm, though!
I'm an old C64 and Amiga guy - the first time I saw x86 code I was horrified. 16-bit real mode or not, when I finally gave up on my dying Amiga was when I stopped writing assembly as well - x86 assembly was where I drew the line. I didn't want to make that transition.
In other words, I don't agree that 16-bit real mode is much better. Now, mdern x86_64 code is starting to get tolerable, with more orthogonal register, for example. But I'd rather chew off my own hand than be forced to write any large amount of 16 or 32 bit x86 assembly....
Then again, I'm horribly opinionated about programming language syntax...
