Maybe this depends on what model you have, but on my LG TV you can long-press the number buttons on the remote and it creates a shortcut to the current selected input. Long press the same button again from anywhere, and you are taken there. Super nice to quickly open your favorite app.

I honestly think the LG interface is excellent.

Long press is not discoverable.

Maybe it is your model? On mine I press input button, I get a list of options, sorted by if the connected device is on or not, and select. so for me is usually, input button, one touch left, center button. I can also press the input button more times that does the same as the right button

I find it excellent on my C9 and my older early 2016 model (both are pretty much the same).