HERE IS THE ANSWER: Axiom rep also mentioned the ports, so flush-mounting is out. The only way to properly mount the AS series behind a fixed screen is to build a "sub-frame" or "box" to mount the screen about 4" out from the wall. Then the speakers can be mounted behind the perforated screen, with less than 1" gap from the speaker to the screen.
I think I'm going to try it. It will save me some major coin, and I'll get what will probably be superior surrounds in the QS8's (without cutting holes in the "visible" walls). Since I already planned on twin EP's, I will now have a complete Axiom system! I don't fully know why Axiom speakers are so attractive to me, as I have never even heard them in person... But I've read enough about Axiom from many people on different websites--filtered out the garbage--and come to the conclusion that I won't be disappointed with them.
So this is my new/current plan:
Center - W150
L/R - W22 X 2
Surround - QS8 X 2
Rear - QS8 X 2
Subs - EP600 + EP500 combo
