Well, I believe I solved the issue. Apparently I have a batch of bad batteries. Even though they are "good through" several years from now, it seems the first set got low enough and thus too weak to provide full brightness in the old remote.

When I programmed a new 200, I just got 2 more batteries from the batch. They worked for about 19 days. I bought a new package and the new remote is now working correctly - although its been only 4 days. Haven't gone back to try the old one with new batteries yet but will.

Thanks!!