Worst remote nomination...

MBL's top transport. This transport runs like $17k or so, and the remote is so horrible ergonomically that it is sad... Great transport though!

Cary 306/200 CDP. This remote tries to do way WAY too much. It also has a very narrow angle that it works at.

Most Pioneer remotes... They tend to be as ergonomic as a lefty using regular scissors. Sony remotes at least have some sort of consistancy from with replacement models (I am on my 3rd Sony DVD player, and the remotes of each generation have been almost identical).

Any remote that has more functions on it than can be done by the front panel of the component it goes to. If you cannot do it on the component, you should not be able to do it with the remote. You end up breaking or loosing the remote and you are screwed.

KF

Yes, I have 1. The remote that came with my Directv!
It`s the universal model (HA, IF you can call it that)!
It works 6 units, BUT the 6th one is a dvd player button,
and YOUR dvd player HAS to be a RCA, or PROSCAN,
OTHERWISE, IT WON`T CONTROL YOUR DVD PLAYER.
Second, when you use the VCR1 and VCR2 buttons,
the antenna button works the VIDEO/TV on your vcr,
BUT when you use the TV button, the antenna button WON`T switch to TV, Video1, Video2 on MY TV. What good is a UNIVERSAL REMOTE, IF it doesn`t work as well as
your other remotes! I STILL have to use 2 remotes!
One JUST to turn on my tv to Video1, then the directv remote, to turn on my 2 vcr`s and directv unit.
BUT HEY, GUESS WHAT: IF I WANT TO WATCH A DVD, I HAVE
TO USE MY SONY REMOTE! AND IF I WANT TO WATCH A
LASERDISC, I HAVE TO USE MY PIONEER REMOTE.
OH, AND BY THE WAY: IF I WANT TO WATCH A VHS VIDEO,
I HAVE TO USE MY JVC REMOTE, BECAUSE directv
DIDN`T INCLUDE TRACKING OR EJECT BUTTONS ON THEIR
(UNIVERSAL REMOTE)!

Albertporter: Have you noticed that some chimp at Sony decided to make you push the button TWICE to actuate the function??? This bugs the bejeezus out of me (Japanese mind games?)...

Theta's remote for the Jade, Miles & Pearl. The buttons were so similar, you could not easily find any point of reference for easy use. Also, the writing on the buttons was almost illegible. Plus, you had to point the remote exactly right or the sensor wouldn't pick it up.

Smokester - I had exactly the same problem with my WADIA 850's remote. For some reason the remote of my 270/27 is working perfectly! I assume it is a problem with the remote's lens? I disagree with your complaint about the layout, though. I find it very selfexplaining and just works fine for me.
Good Luck!