I've had minimal experience with the RC9800i so far, but will pass on what I've found out. In answer to your questions:

1. No, you can't customize in any way (menus, jumps, macros etc.)
2. Initial set up it pretty easy, as long as ot recognises your remotes. If you have to hand program codes, it is rather tedious as you have to program every code yourself.
3. If you don't want the WiFi capability, I think there are other remotes out there that will suit your needs better.
4. IR range and angle seems to be pretty good to me, so you should be fine.
5. No, this remote really bares no resemblance to Pronto remotes, other than the Philips badge on the back.

You can't set up macros, everything is activity based and has to be done the way Philips want you to. You can't add custom channel pages etc. although if you use the EPG via WiFi, you get a TV guide that works like one big custom channel page (I assume, as I can't get mine to talk to my WiFi at all). If you really are minimalist, the RC9800i might suit your needs, but if you want to customise in any way, I think you'll be dissapointed.

Paul