Not totally BS, just mostly. Some manufacturers have proprietary systems that link components across their model line, so a Sony TV may turn on a Sony BD player when you switch to the BD players input on the TV. That kind of stuff. I personally say the heck with it, just buy a Harmony remote!
That's just simple minded salesmanship. I suspect something like a bundling incentive, where he gets a spiff, probably from Sony, if he sells a TV and player together. Either that or just hoping he will snow you into buying more stuff from him, rather than looking around for a player.
Depending on the room and your speakers, yes it is more BS. Unless you are running very inefficient speakers (< 85dB), the power ratings of your average receiver should be more than capable of reaching reference level in modest sized rooms. Most of the time, it is the sub that limits your output, not the receiver (takes a lot more "uhmph" to move sub frequencies). The fact is, most receiver wattage ratings are useless, because it's an easy number for manufacturers to fudge by measuring at limited frequencies, measuring only one channel driven instead of all, measuring peak instead of constant power, etc. Unless you have unusual speaker or room size needs; the best way to choose a receiver is to consider budget, consider features, consider brand name, and then consider power needed.
