Az,
Interesting stuff on the phantom vs. actual center channel. For a change, I don't disagree with you! Although your method of 'challenging' others I find questionable. To each his own. I have listened to my system without the center using phantom mode. It works very well. My components are all matched and the levels balanced, so the sound field is seemless. At this time I'll continue to use my center channel as I like the way it sounds. I'm changing my projection unit in the next few weeks so my use of a center channel may change.
Back to the subject. I, personally, would advise the use of an SPl meter for the reasons that I stated above. You might be pleasantly surprised at the results. You could also then speak from direct experience with it's use rather than conjecture. This would only strengthen your argument and knowledge base.
Mix