This has nothing to do with cost. This is some engineer sitting in a lab who is completely out of touch with the rest of reality. "IR? It comes with a bluetooth remote.. how freaking cool is that? You don't need IR!"
Unless of course you want to use the device as a BD player without having multiple remotes in your lap.
I am surprised the slim didn't get it also.
Avid Stamp Collector - I really love 39 Cent Stamps