You can use a generic Bluetooth remote, they have them on Amazon for
around $20 and they have varying levels of compatibility (source button
or volume buttons may not work for example) but if you dig you can find
a descent one for a reasonable price.
Plus one on this issue. I just made a bit of a fuss with Netflix
support, assuring them that they would not be able to immediately solve
the issue, but I just wanted to report the bug. The first rep
disconnected as soon as I clarified my intentions, ...