Welcome to Crestron! You will need an IR learner because you will use it on every project. The database never has current models in it. You can get ccf into the database with windeal. You can get some discretes from manufacturers, some from the files area here, some from RTI's or URC's database.

I use an old Pronto TS-1000 to learn commands. I add the discretes and then use the pronto to test the commands. Then i copy the CCF data into windeal. I have a crestron IR learner but i prefer the pronto because i can take it with me to a room and test commands locally. With the crestron ir learner you can test commands but it has to be done with an emitter which means you have to drag your laptop etc from room to room.

I normally just learn all the commands from a new remote then add the discretes. I dont even bother trying to get similar model files to work because its faster just to create my own IR files.