Flat against a ceiling doesn't have to be necessary. The layout of my living room is almost as screwy as yours, and even wall-mounting wasn't an option. The mounting brackets on the QS4s are peculiar to say the least, but I picked up four Vantage speaker mounts and installed them in the ceiling with a minimum of difficulty. No major surgery required. You'll figure it out - just a apply a little creative problem solving and you've got it. I've got mine angled down about 45 degrees with a smidgen of toe-in and the sound great. Good luck!
...Oops. I just read the part where your guests might require surgery if the speakers are mounted as I described. Nevermind...
