Dan, by your own suggestion, it might be the best idea to go with the M22s/Klipsch equivalent bookshelf, since you can always switch them to rear channels(7.1) once you decide or are able to go with towers up front. You may feel towers are unneccessary in the end scheme of things but knowing you have the option of using them as rears may make your decision easier.

Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.