This falls under the category of "there is the right way to do it, and here is how I want to do it" to save a little money. We have all been in that boat. But, if it is going to expand to four zones at some point, why not just get the first couple zones started right with the amplifier versions? At some point, there will be a glitch.
There is no truth anymore. Only assertions. The internet world has no interest in truth, only vindication for preconceived assumptions.