I think if you added 7.1 analogue out to the mix you would have a much wider audience - ie outside M circles. They may cost a bit more, but you would probably get more takers which should bring the unit cost down.

Meridian owner since 1992
Prime & PSU, Focal Elear headphones, Roon (ROCK 8Gi5 NUC), Explorer 1 & 2, F80. 200/203, various Sonos (via Roon).