Any one else have this complaint?

Tim,

That's one of the reason i sold my Opus and changed with Venture. My new cable won't fit anyway on the Opus.

Do you have the same Opus ?

I believe the terminals are placed on the bottom so that the crossover components can be better isolated. If you can access a cut away view of the speaker you'll see why. As a practical matter, I can see why you think it's a pain.

I have Avalon speakers(Radian HC) and it takes me all of 7 minutes to change cables and return them to the original positions. I can't imagine how it can take you an hour and no I don't have a pit crew helping me.

My Thiel 2.2's are the same way (as are all their other floorstanding models). I believe it's done mainly for a clean cosmetic appearance, and in this it succeeds. But it makes comparing cables a total pain in the ass - for changeover time, physical effort, and in consistent speaker positioning. It also puts the speakers' finish, not to mention the owner's back, in some danger as well. Locating the jacks at the bottom of the rear would be better IMHO, appearances be damned.

Some mixed feelings here, perhaps an hour is embelishing a little but it does take longer then 7 minutes(Scon90 that is simply amazing!!). Maybe I am being over dramatic about this but it does seem to be a pain- I am not the only one who feels this way. Lifting them and what not is not an issue I am actually VERY healthy(those who know me help me out here ;) albeit perhaps a little lazy. ~Tim

(edit)
Scon90- How do you get your speakers perfectly placed after the tipping thing? it takes me a while to get them close and then some tweeking for the next few days. I am thinking marble or sandstone slabs may help-with the spikes going from the speakers onto the slabs- because you would have the right toe and be darn close location wise. hmmmm something new to think about.