Neil, I find myself in violent agreement with you (is there a smilie for that?)
Anyway this thread needs some photos, so here's my setup - it's far from ideal given the constraints of room and marriage...
Here are the front three speakers + 2 subs:
I would have preferred to have the speakers a few feet further apart, but that'll have to wait for the house upgrade...
And the back 3 + projector:
At one point I tried 2 rear speakers but it was pointless. Franky the single rear is still a bit pointless given the size of the room and having the sofa right at the back wall, but hey it makes me happy knowing it's there
So interestingly, watching Eurovision (obviously! what else would I be doing), on the HD channel they are broadcasting in 5.1, but the centre channel is completely silent. The music is almost exclusively coming from front L/R, with only applause and some 'ambience' coming from the surrounds.
It actually sounds very good in my opinion.