People avoid speakers with back port ( generally - not only Klipsch ) because this speakers often ''blare''. The wall coloures bass.
Often we must stand speakers 15/20cm by the wall. Maybe you have (USA/Canada) different houses ( materials ) which better absorbe bass.
I think that front port doesn't hurt in big rooms but it can to help in medium or small. Many speakers have front bassreflex and play very good ( for example Paradigm Signature/Studio )
Monitor Audio is very popular in Europe , Paradigm Monitor was popular till 2007 ( line v4 ) new series doesn't. Dali Zensor / Ikon very popular. New series JBL doesn't ( with back bassreflex )
Sorry for my English - I learn shortly