Budget is probably 3K max if I replaced the fronts, center and rears. I think tonally I shoud replace all with the same brand/type, at the very least the fronts and center. I am very happy with the sub for now in my room and music, but I will play with which way the sub faces as you suggested.
Having the sub and listening to 2ch as well as MC, is the reason the size question came up. Footprint is not a problem for the fronts/center. The rears are another problem. Reason I was thinking of auditioning the Aperion Verus Grand was due to Gene's review. I know Gene, I and everyone else have may have different likes, but a review like that coming who does this for a living means I will be listening to a good speaker, even if it's not the one I buy in the end.