Very nice forum!

Honestly, the advice/suggestions already provided were more than I was expecting, and all in the same day too!!

I really appreciate it, I will consider getting a refurb receiver as you have suggested.

My friend is a dealer of Yamaha and said he can get me a good deal, he is checking price tomorrow!

I have added two documents here: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B21svTTj55fKUDBnbGU5UXIxLVk&usp=sharing
showing the room in question. Please note that the .pdf document showing the speaker layout has been revised. When I first created it I had the intention of staying 'within the ductwork' (see images for reference), but realized it was way too tight. Going with larger sectional and will be mounting the rear left QS8 in the middle/end of ductwork (so everything will move over a couple of feet, giving a lot more breathing room)

Thanks