John, I do recall you suggesting the phantom center but I just thought you were full of hooey.
Seriously though, I've been using phantom for several days now and I'm just delighted. I see no disadvantage either. As far as "off center seating" goes, it (dedicated center speaker) may serve to anchor the dialog to the TV a little better for the off center listener but lets face it - off center is off center and the listener is going to suffer soundstage collapse anyway.
And since no one at my house really gives a $hit about imaging and soundstage and such, and since
my Lazy-Boy is in the sweet spot, I think I'll just leave it in the phantom mode indefinitely and see if anyone notices.