Does it really matter whether it has the symbols or not
if the client can be taught what happens when the button
is pushed?

What does SKIP + mean to the same person who cannot understand
>>
Both have to be taught to the client as to what their
use is and many times the use on a universal remote control
is different in different devices.

Both the word and the symbol can mean - move to next track,
or move to next chapter, or skip forward 30 seconds, or
move to the next day, or WHATEVER is programmed to that
key.

In the end, the client/consumer needs to have been exposed
to A/V equipment at some point in their life or learn
a least a modicum of information about their new equipment
and the controller in order to operate it.

Yes, the CI makes it as easy and fool-proof as possible,
but the client needs to put forth a little effort to learn
a bit about what he just bought if he/she wants to get
maximum enjoyment from the whole thing.

IMHO.