Very nice write-up... I remember the days when Winamp was King. I even got an Infrared receiver for my PC, and had it working with Winamp. It was pretty sweet being able to fast forward / rewind / shuffle, etc... with a remote. This was in the Napster days I guess about 7-9 years ago?
What bothers me is the hysteria surrounding Apple. They make a white remote with 4 buttons and suddenly it's "incredible design" and "pure genius."
Given that remotes trend toward having ten times as many buttons and the corresponding size, complexity and dismal ergonomics--while accomplishing little more--it's not unreasonable or hysterical to refer to it as a good design for the purpose. I suspect it more closely resembles the remote you used 7-9 years ago than most do.
I'm not sure if I believe that anyone has referred to it as "pure genius", though surely your quotes indicate that you are quoting someone and aren't just exaggerating to make a vapid point.
I know plenty of audiophiles who swear by foobar now instead of winamp. They want winamp 2.x back, something about AOL ruining winamp with 5.x? I can't remember the exact reasons.
What bothers me is the hysteria surrounding Apple. They make a white remote with 4 buttons and suddenly it's "incredible design" and "pure genius."