hi,
yes you are correct about that dilemma. From other side, there are alot of chips with built-in amplifier inside (A/TDAxxxx) which require minimal discrete elements (few resistors/caps), so the World does not stay on the one place. All we need is just looking around for such solutions. In the near future I will publish the board photo where we used some features.

BTW, using open drain (P0 pin), it is possible to create symmetric push-pull output with resistors...

Regards,
Oleg