I looked through the MX-3000 programming manual (BTW, you can also find a copy by Google-ing "MX-3000 programming", if you don't have one already). There is a good discussion in the manual about how to successfully learn the IR for difficult buttons (key).
Since I haven't programmed an MX-3000, I can tell you that on the 6000 and the 980, I can program as many buttons (hard or soft) do the same thing as another button. I have a few cases where I have a soft button duplicate the hard key functionality. So, nothing you said concerns me. On the LCD, when programming multiple volume controls, I usually make sure each soft key specifies which volume control (such as "4DTV Vol +" so I don't confuse anyone using the remote (or at least limit any confusion).
The hard keys always control the same volume control (whether that be a TV or an A/V receiver) - in other words from page to page on each remote, the meaning of the hard key volume/mute don't change. It's good practice and really reduces the frustration level.
Bottom line is the remote doesn't really "know" what you are programming, it just sends out the codes you told it to.
The explanation in the "IR learning" section of the MX-3000 programming manual is very good (I think they had three different techniques) and I think reprogramming may solve your volume control issue. The manual also stresses the importance of testing all of the learned buttons before moving to the next step.
Last edited by ALK3997 on March 25, 2010 22:49.