I had the same questions when setting up my new TV. What I ended up doing is connecting my uverse box audio out to my stereo receiver. I still had my TV connected via HDMI from the uverse box as well.
When we wanted to watch TV in surround sound we could just turn on the receiver and click on TV button to get the TV in stereo. I would think routing the audio AND video through the receiver to the TV would create more gymnastics for your wife/kids. I would recommend using the TV as the main connection (IMOP).
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.