I am curious to know how it would change things to place my towers 1/3 into my room and sit 2/3 back in the room. This would place them 7' from the front wall and the back of the main row of seats 7' from the back wall.
Reclined I would only be +/-8'6" away from my new towers...

To date I've never been this close to them while listening.

Is this a foolish pursuit or one that's worth considering?
2.0 and 7.1 have equal weight in this consideration...

Try it! You'll be able to answer it better practically in less time and better than we can hypothetically.

I know.
I was hoping to avoid the work...

A good rule of thumb is to adjust the front distance apart in order to form a triangle from your 8'6" point. There are of course so many variables but it is a good starting option.

The equilateral triangle is the ideal, is there a generally accepted compromise when you don't want to be or can't be this close to your L/C/R?

you would adjust the delay(distance) and levels to account for the seating position.

yep

It isn't really considered a "compromise", but opinions on how far to sit from the main speakers vary from slightly less than their separation(my preference)to about 1.5 times their separation.