I built stands for the QS8s that put their tweeters at roughly the same level as those in the M60 mains. Sounds great, looks pretty good, but it's a hassle moving the stands and unrolling all that wire. Additionally, the wife and the 60lb Lab puppy are both pretty clumsy - one day one of those QS8s is likely to take a spill in the dark.

My question: Would mounting one QS8 high up on a side wall, tilted down at the listening position...and
positioning the other QS8 at ear level on the rear wall facing forward...Would that ruin the surround effect I have now?

Maybe the receiver can accomadate for the different distances the QS8s would then be from the listening position, but the speakers will be pointing different directions (one forward, one in) and at different levels.

Any experience with similar radically asymmetrical speaker placements?

Placements are best when done symmetrically from what i've found but an asymmetrical placement with the QSx is quite forgiving.

I would not angle the QS8 toward you in any way. It was not designed as a direct radiating speaker so this accomplishes nothing.

As long as you setup your receiver to account for the different surround distances from your listening spot to the speakers, then timing of surround sound should not be an issue. Second to that, use a SPL meter to measure the output from each surround and ensure that the levels are balanced. This way neither surround creates more volume than the other which would bring attention to your ears to one side.

Other than that, try using a small stepladder to move teh QSx around the room in the areas you are thinking about and just give the sound testing a try before permanently mounting them.

Thank you. Nice idea with the ladder.