I've got some strong opinions, and I've had this screed bumbling around in the back of my head for some time, but I wanted to take the temperature of community before I started writing my manifesto.

Let's assume that you've got an "optimal" home theater space. Small, but rectangular with a door that honestly seals. The dimensions are near-perfect, as well. Let's also assume that, because this room IS somewhat small and we're dealing with "economic downturn" budgets, we'll be keeping the speaker build to about $1500. That number is arbitrary, but it does allow enough room for 2-way or 3-way designs where applicable. Let's also assume that the display is, oh, a standard 55" screen. No projectors here, and we'll need to position the center channel above or below the screen using stands or shelves. Because the room is smallish, the speakers will be near wall boundaries.

What would you build? I'm not saying specific designs, but what TYPE of speaker would you build? Would you do 5-7 identical TMs? Would you do 3-ways across the front? If so, what would you do for the other speakers to maintain timbre? Would you highpass to a sub? Run some as full range? Plop a bunch of 3" full-rangers in boxes and call it a day?

I'm genuinely curious of your opinions--especially heretical ones.