Having the watt rating doesn't mean you are going to use it. If you are talking movies, there is a lot less output to the surrounds than the rest of the system. Reference http://www.linkwitzlab.com/surround_speaker.htm

But I do agree the monos would be a more flexable choice. I don't know if Outlaw could manufacture them a lot cheaper. Which would mean it would not be worth it from their standpoint..