Speaker shootout question -- do you position the same or differently, depending?

i don't share the enthusiasm on the above statements.

The room dictates the best position not the given speaker.

The only fair way is live with both pair of speakers in the best spot with total removal of the other speakers. They are working as sponges against the speaker you are considering and spoiling their capabilities.

Its like taking 2 girls/boys out on a date at the same time probably also not a great idea.

  Best JohnnyR

Dispersion pattern will be a major consideration regarding speaker placement. 

Why wouldn't you want to hear each speaker to full potential in your room? Absolutely, move to preferred location for each speaker. Per above, dispersion patterns different for different speakers.

I agree with finding the optimal position. I agree that any one pair should be removed to get out of the other pair's way. 

Johnny, not sure what you mean by "The room dictates the best position not the given speaker" since it would be room-AND-speaker, right?

Generally, the room will dictate where the speakers will be placed within the room, to deal with peaks, nulls, modes, etc.  Once they're in those positions, then speaker toe and rake angles can be experimented with to dial in each given speaker pairs soundstage, focus, etc.