Has anyone pushed the limits of the remote controller shipped with the GL-2 (distance)?

The manual indicates up to 16 feet. Is there anyway to increase the distance up to say 80 feet?

Since the GL2's remote is an infrared, line-of-sight device its range will depend, to a degree, on ambient light conditions as well as battery conditions. I've never seen an infrared signal repeater but I'll bet they exist.

IR repeaters: www.smarthome.com

Take a look at the Canon ZR-1000 wired Zoom Remote Control. That thing rocks, and it is less than almost everything out there. You can get LANC extension cords if you need distance. But the real cool thing over the infra red remote is that when you press any of the buttons, you know it is going to work instantly.