Thanks, guys. I'm currently using a Marantz SR5010, also purchased from Accessories4Less, so I was already thinking of suggesting a newer model to him. Too bad they don't measure so well. Pre-outs would be a must. Denon may be the way to go. My general impression over the years is that there was a decline in quality with no discernible improvement in usability, but this was based on just random things I read, not from any real research. Denon's website shows the X2700H as having a 0.2 multichannel preout, so does that mean just two subwoofer outputs? I'd have to jump up to the X3700H?
Features have been added over time including a lot of network connectivity (AirPlay, Spotify, HEOS and all that). I have found weight has declined over time (not going to get into that discussion here). I really don't use any of these except to connect to the Denon to use Audyssey app. If people like streaming direct through the receiver without a secondary system (like BluOS or Sonos), then these are great features.
Newer is not hugely better unless you are looking for some cutting edge feature. Massive leaps in tech have slowed IMO though since 10+ years ago the room correction software has greatly improved. My Denon (new in 2018) does not have the latest HDMI spec but the features it provides are irrelevant to me. My HDMI carries 4k and that was my more main concern (i'm not sure i care much about 8k and by the time it becomes mainstream for tv content i'll likely be up for buying new gear again, or i'll be too old and really won't care anymore). Buying it used saved me over $800 and at the time, the 'new' Denons were out of stock everywhere anyway.
You are correct in that the 2700H does not have any pre-outs except for 2 sub outputs. The 3700H is the minimum in this lineup to get full pre-outs (front, centre, surr -r, surr-side and heights 1 and 2).