The OARN08G is a truly awful remote. The OARUSB04G is a brilliant remote, but does have clicky buttons as well. The RCA you bought has 8 devices internally. You need a JP1 cable to unlock them, so to speak. Technically it has unlimited devices if you load an extender. A while back, I was running 12 devices with my RCA.

I have use conductive paste in the distant past. It's gotten me several more months of life, but is too expensive considering a new remote is only $5, as you discovered.