Two questions from me.
First - How long will a handset last in terms of wear and tear from regular [irregular?] button pressing? Just made 5th anniversary of return to BT with same handset.
Frustratingly I am not getting a consistent response from the numerical buttons and seem to be needing deeper presses that can fail or duplicate. Back button is a nightmare for repeating intended one press action.
Second - Does anyone know of a remote that is not designed to act as if it was a bar of soap?
It will last as long as it lasts. If you still subscribe to BT TV then BT should replace it FOC.
If you want a different style then the bluetooth remote for the latest box will control yours in IR mode. But it has a much reduced button count. Readily available on Ebay.
Or look to a universal remote from the likes of One For All.