I went to an HT and 2.1 system. A high HT setup may sound great, but it's out of my reach. It changes so quickly, as stated, almost on a yearly basis. I enjoy the 2.1 or 2 channel set up. As I get older, I like things simple. I don't want to learn and program a new remote every year, even if I could afford it. Seems like I invested more time setting up and fiddling with the HT than enjoying it. Then once it's set, as some already said, it changes!
You can update by buying used stuff with 2 channel. With HT, it's obsolete, or near it buying it used, or even sometimes on clearence. With 2 channel, you also have the option of enjoying vintage equipment. 2 channel has a lot of ejoyable history with it.