The remote does include discrete on and off codes, actually - the discrete on is provided by selecting any input, and the discrete off is provided by the power button.

I'm all for expanding the feature set of an existing product like the 990 through firmware updates, but I also see an argument against adding entirely new codes when many users will be left in the dark - knowing that their processor has a feature, but unable to use it because they haven't bought the right kind of $100+ third-party remote control. For an existing platform like the 990, I'd much rather they strive to add the most possible functionality within the constraints of the included remote control. For a future platform, where the remote control limitations are not already fixed, my viewpoint changes. I say that in spite of the fact that my remote of choice (the MX-700) is one of the remotes that could easily accommodate entirely new IR code commands - if they do choose to expand the feature set with new commands, I'll gladly use them, but I also choose not to expect to see those codes appear on the 990 for the reasons I've listed.