Mixing Amps in a HT Set-up?

I currently have a nice 2 channel system consisting of the following:

1 pair of Genesis 350SE (w/ 1500 watt bass amp)
2 - BEL 1001 Power Amps (mono operation,200x8ohms/400x4ohms)
Sonic Frontiers Line 2 SE preamp (Surr Sound Proc bypass)
Cambridge Audio D500SE cd player
P-1A/P-3A Perpetual Technolgies
Stealth Audio Magic
Ar Turntable

I have recently purchased the 38" Loewe TV set and want to incorporate my 2 channel system into a HT system. Because of the low WAF factor on the Genesis, I agreed to go with 4 of the small Linn speakers (wired and mounted on the walls) as surrounds. I am considering several SSP in the $3K to $4K range (Anthem, Krell, Aragon, Sunfire, etc.). Being a newbie to HT I have the following questions:

1. Can I use the BEL amps to power my Genesis 350 SEs as the front mains in a home theater setup?

2. Would the home theater bypass on the SF preamp allow me to go back and forth between 2 channel audio and HT without unplugging and re-plugging equipment?

3. A saleman in a local hi-fi shop told me that I probably could not use my BEL amp in a HT set-up as there would be a difference in the power ratings between the BELs and the amps I would use for the surrounds. Is he correct? Instead of purchasing a 7 channel amplifier, I was hoping to purchase a 5 channel amp and use my BELs.

Any other insights or advice as to the best way to accomplish the integration of my current 2 channel system with a future HT system would be appreciated.

Thanks,
FGM