If you do #1 with QS8, I bet you'll color your sound at high volumes. Reflected sound is noticeably different than direct, and your speakers won't match. I suspect that #2 would be fine, but I wouldn't angle the speaker.
Maybe using bookshelf speakers for surrounds might work better for you? (i.e. M3 or M2, depending on what matches your fronts better.) As you point out, in position #1, it would avoid the reflected sound problem on the left side. Plus bookshelves are over $200 cheaper per pair.
I suggest you e-mail Axiom (Alan) for advice.
Good luck!
Martin
