You talk to me, how much simpler of an answer can I give you? :)
I suffer when I listen to my music in two channel, why take advice from people who only seem to get success from two channels?
Maybe changing your question to attract the multi-channel guys would be best. Post "Budget Multi-channel music/film system" Multi-channel will eventually catch on one day, but for right now its a small group of people who get it and you need to talk to them.
Otherwise you're just going to get the same go round.
PS: Think of the level of commitment it would take to go with a new analog system. going multi-channel requires that kind of commitment, you wouldn't buy an expensive turntable and put a $19 cartridge on it an expect greatness. How can you only buy 2 out of 5 speakers and expect greatness? Wasting your money with that mentality.