Barry, you're absolutely right regarding the benefits of knowing one or more programming languages. Being an IT professional myself, you're preaching to the choir here ;)
When I was looking for PS examples last year, for example, I came across an implementation of a DLNA control point app (or something along those lines) someone created "back in the day". While this is an awesome achievement, that's about the project size where I think the Prontos today show their age. Today you'd probably get an iPad to run these kinds of applications. I just don't see me coding thousands of lines to run them on the TSU ;) I will however continue to improve my PS-skills and use it in places where it makes sense (like controlling a device over the Network).
CommandFusion does sound interesting, thanks for the tip! I think I once saw their website, but I got the impression that their hardware (i.e. server appliance) was required to make use of the apps. If I understand you correctly, you can also have the app talk to an (open source?) implementation running on a RPi? I'll have to look into that :)
As for the hard buttons, I'm right there with you (as is probably every Pronto user). I wouldn't want to have a control solution purely based on touch screens.
