Awesome pictures! Beautiful home!
As to products, I agree with what David and John said. I
As to placement...
I would seriously consider a FMB or some other tilting bracket for the rear speakers.
I don't think that the placement of the surround (side) speakers would necessarily be different for 5.1 v. 7.1. Their placement should be just behind the listening position in either case. I would not move the surround speakers to the rear corner if going 5.1 as in your illustration.
Since you already have everything, I'd definitely wire for 7.1.
I'm looking forward to future pictures! Enjoy the journey!
