You misunderstand me. My principal point is that any 2.0/2.1 (i.e., stereo) setup will always be better than the surround sound system of equal price.

Define better? Better depends on what your application is. They won’t be better at playing object-based surround sound. Both kinds of systems are set up for a different purpose. For example, in my home theater I want a subwoofer that makes me feel explosions in my gut. That’s not what I look for in the low-end of my 2.x system.

As for my comment on spending money on speakers I would only use for movies: surround sound only has a real advantage for movies,

Of course, but we were talking about sound systems for use with your TV for watching movies.

for other activities stereo speakers of the same price will undisputedly be better.

That’s why you have both kinds of systems.

I would hate to spend 3k on a surround system, when I'll use my 3k stereo system for most of my listening anyway (this is an example).

I use both regularly, but at different times of the day and for different purposes. I use my HT system when watching a movie or series in the evening. I use my 2.0 system during the day while I’m working or relaxing on the weekend.