Don, you're finally gettin' it right, huh?
For some, who may have lost some hearing sensitivity, or just "don't get it" ..... they will always feel naked without the larger boxes at their sides. For the rest of us, who have found that musical "nirvana of ease", and realize that volume is more often than not, a distraction - I salute you ! (us)

You are finding out waht I have know for ages ..... that size really DOES matter, and some parties do not require the added "ooomph" or the "fuller bass" or the (ugly) poles. They just want nice music, with entertaining vocals .... a little interaction with the clientelle ... more class than brass.

I will never endorse the sound of built in speakers as "superior" to a quality system, but I do recognize that it is sometimes EXACTLY what is called for. Especially in multi-million dollar homes and fancy country clubs ...... the visual is important, and the look of stage gear is very often "overkill". It even scares some clients just LOOKING at larger speakers in a situation where a small Bose Radio would be sufficient. (which I DO use occasionally !)

Don't be so quick to knock the system folks - Trust me ...... sometimes "Little is best"