You could save a grip of cash by buying a cheaper (and larger) TV - maybe a DLP?
You could also save cash by going with the Axiom set up. For HT, I think they are every bit as good if not better than the MAs you demo-ed. I sat and watched XMen2 on the dealer's MA Gold system (GR20s, et al) and it was very good, but not any "better" than my Axiom HT. Both have similar high end resolution that is great for HT.