I would recommend the HTM MX-500 for you. It has hard buttons for most of the common functions and it has an LCD screen where you can label custom functions (ie, the ones you tend to forget).

However, personally, I find that if you use some thought and good judgement when you place the mis-named functions on a remote like the URC-7800 you will be able to figure out what does what. I use a remote that's conceptually very similar to the URC-7800 (my remote is the Radio Shack 15-1994) and I have been using it for over 5 years now and totally love it. I have it programmed to work my ReplayTV box, which has many difficult to place buttons, and I've found spots for them all.

If you like, give me some examples of the buttons that are hard to place (and remember) and I'll tell you where I'd put them.