Apple gets a lot right and a lot of small things horribly wrong. Apple’s mice are a good example but nothing is as bad as the all black Apple TV remote. I’ve never hated a small device with such a passion. One wrong touch and you’re in remote hell.
I don't mind the form factor of the newest remote; however, it is slim and small enough that it regularly gets lost in odd places. An audible FindMy integration would be very welcome.
The newest remote is a night and day difference. I spent good money on 2 of them for older Apple TVs. Well worth the upgrade.
Luckily, they fixed the remote a few years ago. But yeah, the previous remote was not good (but the one before it was good as well).
Agree about the mice. For remote - try Roku. Their design is tip top.