From what I could tell, the diode is mounted flush within the nose of the remote. I originally thought the remote was firing upward, then I wasn't so sure. Now Ben has confirmed my earlier assessment.

kiwiaudio, have you tried turning the remote in your hand so the buttons face left or right, depending on which hand your using? That might solve the aiming issue. I use my Harmony, so I'll have to dig out the 976 remote and see if it changes things.