Hmmm, I thought the forum was big on this kind of engineered in waste.

I had contacted Roku support in case this is just a one-off defect. So far they've asked for my full contact info and the serial number of the device. I can understand that they would want to check their DB to ensure they don't waste time on a previously addressed issue.
I also read the old thread on wi-fi based remotes and would expect them to use more battery power, but didn't want to be a necroposter. This device was a pre-Christmas gift to enjoy during our work shutdown. The first set of batteries barely made it past Christmas day. I chocked it up to dodgy batteries - Duracell marked as Not for Resale (thanks forum for letting me know about their dubious means). But I was a fool because the brand new "Industrial Grade" set that I installed died just after New Years. Then I decided to play like I was smart and measure the current drain.
I suspect Roku will at some point offer a replacement, but I am fully expecting this is an as-designed feature. The Irony is that I bought a bundle set with the streaming+ stick and the top end Ultra model, which has the uber customizable remote with "private" listening (headphones) feature. I installed the Ultra box where there is wired Ethernet, so I guess it is not having this 24/7 wi-fi polling problem, but then the headphones and "find lost remote" features don't work either.
Further, I have come to a product opportunity here. You see, to "fix" this problem I have inserted a folded up piece of yellow sticky note paper between the contacts of one of the cells. I am imagining this could be two thin contact plates separated by an insulator, and each contact plate wired to a micro switch that could be inserted onto the battery cover, or where convenient. It would be fantastic if that switch could be a switched push-button, so you could turn the thing off completely. Imagine the millions of Roku remote, no, billions of battery operated device users that will be interested in saving money on weekly battery replacements for something that should last years. I think my Sony TV remote is 8 years old and still uses the same Sony branded batteries that it came with!
