Storage of other speakers in the room, shorting them while not in use? Myth or true?

I got a real chuckle out of the aforementioned article by Bill Sommerwerck in the Stereophile magazine in which he mentions a reviewer's  "One Speaker Room" devoid of any other speaker including a telephone.  When he pointed out that the reviewer had a low coffee table directly in front of the listening position which would act as a reflective surface, it reminded me of another typical listening error.  Listening while wearing eyeglasses is the same as placing a reflective surface just inches from your ears.  I noticed it when I switched from eyeglasses to contact lenses.  What a crazy, but interesting, hobby !

You shouldn't be in the same room.

Rather than wondering or trying to sort conflicting opinions why not simply try playing music first with the added speakers in room and the current ones playing. If you notice no difference than the question is answered for you. 

Taking it a step further, switch speakers and listen again. What you can overlook is not there. Actual experience is the most reliable measure.

In multi purpose rooms like mine I leave my amps on that power my other speakers for hometheater to serve as a dynamic brake for the drivers while not in use.

A second set of speakers in the room, well placed, may serve as bass traps.