A kindly person on Kodi forum has advised what the remote re-mapping in 17.1 has done:
"Users will get a prompt "New input device found", the remote seems to get recognized as a game controller."
Then "menu" and "back" do not work anymore.
"Back is now "del", for "menu" you have to press and hold "ok".
It is good to know the remote still works, just differently for now.....
Going to update SPMC (see separate thread on installing wrapper for HD audio http://www.futeko.com/newforum/index.php?topic=1669.0 ).
Also mention that Archos Video Player appears ok for HD Audio and Auto-switch FPS working (see thread http://www.futeko.com/newforum/index.php?topic=1786.0 )