Q-man,
I've also heard about the DVD laser problem. I know for a fact that they go out of alignment. I don't know about a "limited lifespan" per se, but they do go out of whack. There are laser alignment tools on the market for the DIY'er to maintain his/her own equipment. I tend to agree with your repair guy who advised against spending more than $150 to fix 'em. They've become nearly disposable. Not the high end ones...the majority of the mass market ones.
It doesn't sound like dipole speakers would best suit your set up. They are designed to be on the side walls, and actually have 2 sets of drivers. One faces front, the other faces rear. There is a null at the listening position. The drivers produce sound which is then "bounced off" the front and rear walls to give a more diffused sound. Dipole vs. direct seems to be one of the "hotter" topics in home theater. Some people love 'em, others hate 'em.
I think the Atoms on swivel brackets on your rear wall is a great place to start !!