After much searching and a tortuous multi-session interaction with DirecTV, I can now off a tried and true path to RC71 programming with a Genie or Genie mini STB.

1. Hold both the mute and enter (NOT the SELECT) button until the STB reports it has set the remote to RF Mode.
2. Enter the menu
3. select settings
4. select remote control
5. select program remote
6. Select the device or setting you want to program into the remote (audio, tv, volume lock)
7. Enter the manufacturer
8. Enter the model (ignore the list until it's either got your model or is empty)
9. Do what ever validation it wants you to do.
10. done!

See? How easy is that?? Only 10 steps (and 5 trips through the directv telephone automation after countless internet searches) and I found the answer!
BTW, don't try searching the DirecTV "help" sites...