Having the accuracy of where the sounds come from is exactly what brings you into the movie! particularly those moments with lots of surround aound activity.
My surrounds are 0.8 and 1 meter away and can tell you that they give the accuracy of what soundmixes are designed for rather than being difficult to hear where the sounds are coming from.
You will find other forums actively and majority of the time will recomend regular direct firing for all speakers in the entire system.
And then there's that significant issue of those who sit on a back wall. The only solution is sit away from the back wall for home theater purposes and benefits. There are minimal cons and the advantages outweigh the reasons to do so.
You will likely enjoy movies better when you can hear the sound effects as intended by the director and sound mixers!