I think I answered some parts of my own questions now that I've had a chance to think about stuff. The latest:
I'd really like to get one of those refurb HK AVR 225s. Given what I've read, that JBL Northridge NSP1-II package might be a nice fit with it and make that "unrefined" treble I read about in Cnet's review less of a concern.
Last I checked, J&R had refurb'd Onkyo 501s for $169. That could sway me toward Paradigms - maybe a new set of Titans for up front, or if I feel really extravagant, a Cinema package.
Also heard the Klipsch Quintette II in action. Wouldn't rule that out, either. So I'm getting there.