Tom,
Wow, you really did your homework on this one - great job!
My vote goes to scenario 4 in a 2.1 or 3.1 configuration. If he is sitting that close, the phantom centre will fall apart for anyone not in the sweet spot. (Add inexpensive in-walls (or ceiling) for surround later if he wants.)
My only criticism is that you gave him WAY too many options - I'd par those down by half, or just tell him to get the TXSR505, 3 x M2's across the front, and the x-sub. Done. Kills the Bose, and supports both families here at Axiom and at AV123.
