It's only problematic for some people. I've never had any problems with one. Neither have dozens of other people I know.
Some people can never adjust to something new or different, so it becomes "problematic", "bad", or "poor quality".
It's pretty much the same for the plastic back plate as well. Some people can't stand them simply because they're plastic.
Most people don't use them because someone who doesn't like them tells them that the remote needles are junk. They don't even try them themselves, but are quick to tell someone else they're bad without ever having tried them themselves.

Don't take my word on whether an OS remote needle is good or not. Try one and see for yourself.
Then if you don't like it please write to OS and tell them why the remote needle is awful.

regards,
catdaddy
btw
Doug Moon (a top 5 NATS stunt pilot) says he uses both, remote NV and plastic back plate with his LA's.