Touchscreen only remote = YUCK! YUCK! YUCK!
Don't want to HAVE to stare at my remote for every single action, real buttons are a must. I do, however think a touch display has its place, but that would be alongside a few (common action) hard buttons.
I will miss the days of not having to recharge my remote all the time. Though via Bluetooth or wifi, a great little "where is my remote hiding now?" app could save me from cushion diving every other day!
I think the concept is you won't have to look at your remote at all. Worst case scenario, hold it up to your mouth to speak commands, provided Siri makes the necessary improvements.