Thanks for this podcast. I've run into the same problem. Once I cleaned my remote about three times it was done. The "gunk" in the remote that gets on the circuit board is generally some kind of silicone lubricant or solvent. Apparently, the button pads have to be cooked after they are made to get all the silicone gunk out, and most manufacturers don't bother any longer, as they assume you will only use the remote for a year or two before losing it (or you'll just buy a new one?).

The actual, physical act of pressing the button pushes the silicone gunk out of the pad.

Thanks for the guitar pick trick!