First, both the Pronto and IRIQ have a few well placed frequently used programmable hard buttons. Just enough in my opinion.

Second, remotes that lean the other direction with more hard buttons and less screen (although not a touch screen) exist, it's called an RC-2000 Mk-II.

I think a lot of folks goals here are simplicity for anyone in the family (Wifes, Kids etc.) to confidently, safely and easily operate complex HT's.

I also think a "cover" over more hard buttons would completely defeat the purpose of adding more hard buttons.