I dont know about the 72 but my SC35 doesn't have a pass feature. I just dont turn on my receiver and the sound automatically plays through the monitor speakers.
and you're right... it takes a while to toy around with the amp to get all the setting worked to where you like them, only to have to do it again when the amp starts to break in a little.
oh and congrates on the superb AVR, you're going to be very happy.