[thesuffering]

...
It's been asked many times now, but I'll ask again. Why is it a let down? What do you think new hardware would bring to the table that can't already be done with the current hardware?
...

For me I must say I hoped for a new remote controller which is more like this one:

I like that it has all relevant buttons on it and those are real buttons. I doubt it will be possible to buy such an remote seperatly...
Apart from the remote the Shield was in its first version already great.

If you also have an av receiver, I would recommend investing in a logitech harmony remote. It works great with the shield! the only disadvantage is the lack of a microphone on the harmony controller (for voice search).
My only gripe with the shield's remote control function is that its IR receiver cannot receive keyboard presses. It would be convenient if it did so I could send macro commands to kodi. I can still do it with the yatse app on my phone, but still.... through the remote would be more convenient.

hub based harmonys also are able to connect via bluetooth. Can you sent macro commands that way?