I like the remote for light duty train running (And sitting fat in my recliner on Christmas morning!) so I can watch the train from around the layout. But if I were to be into some heavy duty switching, shunting, freighting etc...I would rather do it from a well placed control panel with hard switches. I find hard control panels offer superior tactile advantages when it comes to quick and efficient operating. CAB-1 can be a "heads-down" nightmare if you haven't got the damn thing memorized; plus sometimes you push the button but nothing happens...RF gremlins?
I always use the remote for the TV...ALWAYS.
Roland