I have exactly the same issues with this as you, martinfroom.
Great box, I purchased it because it came so highly recommended from this forum. And people were right - the box does everything they said it would - fast channel changing and a shed load of connections round the back means this is one hell of a box.
However, the remote leaves a lot to be desired. Since you metioned that holding it the other way around it a lot more comfortable I am annoyed that I have to hold it the right way up - glad you pointed it out, but damn, I wish I didn't know that!
Pointing it directly at the box itself is another issue which I agree with - the remote itself seems to have a uni-directional IR beam. Just have to put up with I suppose.
However, whilst I can live with these niggling features for the sake of a cracking digital box, I can't seem to operate my Sony KV32FX68 with it using the TV contraols located at the bottom of the remote (vol, power, channel etc). This is such a pain in the behind!
Am I overlooking something blindingly obvious or is this a known issue. Any help greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
-Steve.