Truth is that remotes, like a lot of other things, will always be a personal preference type of product. No one will make a perfect remote loved by all which I know we all agree on. Dish seems to be at least trying to make these two more compact and minimalistic in design and function for the very reasons some posted here. Less complex for the average user and to also compliment the new H3 and user interface.
The 40 is too overwhelming and bulky for probably 95% of their customers (I personally do use it a lot) but still an option for those that like it. The 50/52 offers touch for those technically hip "swipers" or buttons in that same easier to hold design. Agree that they should have incorporated voice search into both. Then the difference between the two is more of an even trade-off. Same basic remote, just one with touch and one with buttons for those who don't like or can't use a touch pad.
Then those 5% customers like most of use can use our fancy Harmony or other universal remote devices. Heck, I think we all know people who would be ecstatic with just a 5 button remote: power, channel up/down, volume up/down...