Option 2 (leave it as is with the power amp driving the fronts)
Assuming of course that your power amp delivers more power than your AVR.
In my experiencing, adding more strain to the AVR's internal power supply and power amp section by adding more load, delivers very little sonic benefit. Remember, the more channels that are driven, the lower the total power delivery per channel. That is why most AVR manufacturers quote power delivery either as a single channel driven or two channels driven.