I really appreciated your input. At least I finally have some answers (not terribly forthcoming from Apple support). However, almost of your comments make me wish I'd never read the awesome reviews about the Minis. I guess the fact that bluetooth is solely used during configuration and hand-off was another limitation that Apple decided to confine to the "fine print." And given that I have so many wireless devices around where this was going to be set up, together with your valuable comment about the lack of suitability for the Homepods re: anything requiring audio sync, means I'm stuck with essentially $300 CDN of useless devices. However, the fact that the paired HomePod minis "should give true stereo separation" means I can perhaps use them in a limited capacity elsewhere. Your point is well-taken, to a degree, re: my last question about best sound optimization. You did address that re: actual vs. stereo effect. Whether I get the apps from LG or Apple TV in this context is irrelevant to me. I finally clarified elsewhere that what I meant by sound optimization, i.e,, the best type of surround sound I could achieve, given all the limitations, in conjunction with all of Apple's "offerings" - home theater; stereo; etc. but I get that is subjective - IF one understands all of the variations. Lastly, per techradar.com, the Apple TV 4K (2nd gen) “supports both high-frame-rate HDR and Dolby Vision 4K format, along with Dolby Atmos audio.” Personally, I miss the days of analogue! Thanks again!