NHT 3.3's lose their low-end "magic" if they're not within 6 inches of the rear wall. Several other examples have been given of speakers absolutely designed to be placed close to the wall. If I had specific room / placement constraints and wanted the best sound I could get, I'd ask a forum like this the same question.
I wonder how many people spend several thousand dollars on speakers and then severely curtail their performance by inappropriate placement? There probably are a bunch.
I wonder how many people spend several thousand dollars on speakers and then severely curtail their performance by inappropriate placement? There probably are a bunch.