Nick, I would optimize it for the front row(i.e., directly to the side) and use the second row for guests who you don't really like all that much. The "30 degrees back" placement refers to 5.1 setups where there aren't back surrounds to form a rear sound field and placing the side surrounds farther back provides some "phantom" back effect in their absence.

Probably placing them farther back is less of an overall compromise than having them well forward of the second row.

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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.