I have the same problem, and did some A/B tests with my TS1000/01 and TSU3000/01. I tapped the hard buttons as fast as I could, and counted the beeps per second. This was done with no actions for the hard buttons, so IR length isn't an issue.

1000: 72 beeps per 10 seconds
3000 (hard buttons): 31 beeps per 10 seconds
3000 (firm buttons): 25 beeps per 10 seconds

NOTE: I've observed that when rapidly hitting buttons, the 1000 issues an IR command for each beep. The 3000 issues an IR command for every 2 or 3 beeps. (So, the 3000 is even slower than these numbers indicate.)

This is exceptionally irritating with TiVo. I can get through a commercial break in no time with 30-second skip and the 1000. It takes many, many attempts to get the remote to respond with the 3000.

I like everything else about the remote's new features, but I'm not sure I'll be able to cope with the lag. I guess that's what I get for being an early adopter. :( Maybe the 3000 will stay in it's box for a while until there's a firmware update.