Looking to order W3 speakers, but I have questions about the installation:

What is the technical reason for the requirement that the cutout of the W3 speaker be at least 1.5 inches from a wall stud?

I have a gas pipe in between two studs, and this complicates things for me. I have about 6.25" of space between the pipe and a stud. The pipe is recessed about 1" deep in the wall. Can I make the cutout almost right next to the pipe? This would allow the W3 to clear 1.5" to the stud on the other side. Correct?

Thanks...