Think of it like putting red wheels on a red car.
Idk, speakers with a finish exactly matching your flooring may not be as apealing as you think. As long as they are in the same color pallet but slightly lighter/darker or contrasting color pallet, they will be asthetic, yet not look like your flooring is coming up to become speakers.
For absolute SAF go in-wall.
The high gloss cherry that I plan to use is slightly lighter and definitely more glossy than the cherry in the room. But, it still looks good. I ordered a sample from Axiom which I personally verified in the room itself. As you said, a perfect match is not necessary.
The rosewood in the SVS and HSU subs (and the Quad speakers) is A LOT MORE RED than than the wood in the room. Moreover, I don't like the idea of the subwoofer looking much different than all of the other speakers in our system. When I meant a "harmonious whole", I meant the subwoofer and speakers sharing a similar design aesthetic.
Your point about in-wall speakers and SAF is absolutely right. As the room is completely finished, it would be a major undertaking putting in-wall speakers.
Lastly, I think red tires would look bad on any car
