Good to "see you", Scott! I catch your point, and I'm certainly no expert either. (It's all I can do to hit the record button without dropping my guitar.)
I do agree that getting some guidance from those more experienced here is a great starting point. I'm just adding the usual caution that "one size rarely fits all" in the music biz. That said, I just ran across a very solid (but not stellar) review of the Wharfie 8.1's in this month's SOS magazine. And I know that a 2.1 system, if the integration is smooth, is hard to beat in the low end. Also, if one needs to tweak the monitors (rather than the room) for a quirky environment, as I've had to do, then having this option can direct one's choice of monitors. Fortunately, I think we can all agree that there is a rapidly increasing number of good choices in the budget range.
I'm still looking forward to hearing the Wharfies, which my local shop has just gotten in, or hearing from anyone else who has compared them to other choices in that price range. One day when I'm rich I just might pick up a second set for AB'ing purposes. (If anyone would like to compare them to the M-Audio Bx5/SBX sub combination, you could always send me a set of Wharfies and I'll be happy to offer a very long-term evaluation.)
Best,
Jeff