Worst remote nomination...

How about remotes that are "too good" (i.e. controls functionality that can't be accessed from the main unit). I had a toshiba DVD player a couple of years ago that had a little joystick button that let you navigate through DVD menus. The main unit had only play, chapter skip and stop. The remote broke in an accident and then my perfectly good DVD player wouldn't play a large number of DVD's because I couldn't get through the main menu. When I found out what Toshiba wanted for a new remote I ended up throwing away a perfectly functioning DVD player.

Agree with your assesment of the Wadia remote.
I upgraded my Wadia 16 to a 16i. New metal remote came with the upgrade. I used it twice before going back to the original plastic remote.
Metal remote was much more confusing and too heavy when compared to the plastic remote. Have had it for 5 years and never replaced batteries yet.

Arcam DV27A Only reason I can figure is they put the money inside the box cause they surely did not put ANY effort into the remote design.

The ultimate Worst Remote is the one that controls the Wadia 7 transport and Wadia 9 DAC. It is a heavy metal affair about 6x4x1 inches. Don't drop it on your toe!

The roughly 20 buttons are decent sized but arranged in a rectangular grid. All are the same size and color. The labels are low contrast and hard to read. This layout is totally un-ergonomic.

I have two of these (one each came with the transport and DAC) but only use them to program my universal remote.

Emm Labs CDSD hands down. Unit sounds terrific however.