On the balanced-outputs points, I would think it would cost a lot less to throw those in than to include a quality phono preamp. And I use one single balanced output today - for my subwoofer (AvFan's #2 case of a "powered speaker").

I would think a lot of folks use a balanced connection for the subwoofer (or should) - in my case I have a rather long noisy run (I guess that is both cases #1 and #2)...and so there is a HUGE reduction in noise for me in that case, enough for that alone to a purchasing factor for me, even if I am "paying" for the others but not using them : ).

Add in more circumstances like blaineh's noisy environment and add in some now ~legitimate marketing hype of bobliinds original point and I would think the business case and the rear-panel-real-estate case to include balanced outputs is very clear. ("now legitimate" because they are trying to sell product after all, and there are some battles you just don't fight)