Yes, this is true Sony then started using Aiwa as a "cheap" brand before they finally disappeared.
I used to like original Aiwa stuff.
Have found a few Sony remotes working Aiwa and vice-versa.

Tested the Macro's sat right on top of the TV and it's the same intermittent issue.

I can't test with the Power Search at all as it not working, coming up will error messages like "lirc busy" on every press; even after restarting.

What I was saying with the keyboard would not effect the "multitap". I was thinking from the POV that the multitap would eventually become a "mode" and the whole keyboard would be used for typing.
Whereas all the other tab menus would follow set keyboard hotkeys.
LIke QWERTY for the tabs, ZXCVBN for the macros and M, Space, Up, down, Left and Right for the "main" tab features.
Obviously this is all IMO of course.