The importance of component location...

I'm brand spankin new to the high end audio world, so I'm beginning my quest to someday call myself "knowledgable".

I've had the chance to look through the vast majority of systems on the gon. One thing I've noticed, at least from those postings that have pics, is that most people with dedicated listening rooms, have there amps located directly in the middle of the speakers ON THE FLOOR!!! Correct me if I'm wrong but I've always read is manuals NOT to place any component on the floor.

Now, just by looking at the pics, I can see that the amps location would reduce the long lengths of cable to the speakers. But does this location effect amp performace? If so, how?

Would this be the only reason to place the amp there?
As for myself, I don't have the option of placing my amp in this spot. Trust me, my wife would have a major objection, seeing my system is in the living room.

I guess the point I'm getting at is what would be the advatage of a system with its amp in the location over a system with its amp on an equipment rack?

Or is this what thing about amp location really a dead issue. Does it even matter.

Can anyone suggest a real world location to place the amp that would offer advantages in performance...outside of an equipment rack?

Thanks for you suggestions.