For HT the center channel does 80% of the work, it is extremely important.
Most higher end HT receivers will let you do zones, you can setup a HT setup, then have a 2ch on the other zone.
Mine is a 7.2.4 setup, all matching speakers. Movies are sometimes better than going to the theater. But it's always lacking in music. Unless it is put into "all channel stereo" But it becomes fatiguing pretty quickly, and best for making noise through the entire house.
Since I listen to music 80% of the time, my living room was turned into a 2ch room with vintage analog setup, and the family room has the all digital setup. They are both incredible at what they do.