The remote units themselves are identical with the 950 and Elite. There is a minor difference in the labeling of a couple buttons, but the functions of the remote units themselves are identical. Any difference in function is due to the hub, and that's where you get your Fire Stick...
You're losing one of the best features of the Elite by not using the hub to send IR signals. The best way to use it is to set up the hub across the room, aimed at the equipment. Then you don't have to aim the remote, ever. I don't use the remote blasters. Just the hub aimed at the equipment...
OK, on the Elite in my HT, I made a mistake and have one input on the touch screen labeled as "Balancd 1" when it should be "Balanced 1". How do I fix that with the mobile app? It appears to be impossible. In fact, the mobile app appears to have virtually zero control over most of the touch...
All Harmony remotes are IR.
It works with the ATV, but there isn't any touchpad, so it's somewhat limited. I actually use my Harmony to control by ATVs (Gen 3 & 4K) most of the time. On the Gen 3 there's no difference since it doesn't use a touchpad.
But there's still a Mac app for the models that don't have a hub, isn't there? It really makes no sense that it would work with some models and not others. The mobile app is half baked at best.
Yes, the 950 and the Elite are essentially identical, with the Elite having the hub. I have both models and use them daily.
BTW, replacement batteries are readily available, even for the One, relatively cheap and extremely easy to replace.
Six components is on the upper end of its functionality, I'd say. I think it can be programmed for eight, but it doesn't have enough "Activities" for that many sources. Honestly a 950 or Elite is probably more ideally suited, but those are rather pricey, especially now.