I've updated my buffer design on advice from Jon Z. I changed that 470 ohm resistor to a 100 ohm for more drive. I also added a base resistor as I don't want unlimited current in the event of some flaw or connection failure. This is the current buffer I use.
I think some of the confusion about the IR tether is what to do with the 3-wire IR sender vs. the 2-wire IR sender wiring.