Dave, I think for the most part it is for more clean, undistorted sound at higher listening levels. Most people have smaller rooms and probably don't make use of that extra "headroom". In my case I do have a much larger room and do have monoblocks for my m80's. However, my Denon 2805 alone does an admirable job.

Whenever I get a new receiver with Audyssey or Trinnov, I may sell my amps. I need cash$$$ \:\)

M80s VP180 4xM22ow 4xM3ic EP600 2xEP350
AnthemAVM60 Outlaw7700 EmoA500 Epson5040UB FluanceRT85