These guys are steering you correctly. 5.1 will handle you fine - most receivers even have virtual rear processing that will make it seem like you have several rear speakers.
However, if you can put the speakers in the right place, 7.1 will give you an even more solid, and coherent soundfield.
The biggest problem you have with a small room is that too large of speakers (or too many) can overload the room. This would create boomy bass or other places in the frequency where the room is either reflecting too much (making it sound harsh or noisy) or resonating in sympathy with the tone (just making it too loud compared to everything around it).
If you're not sure, borrow 2 speakers from a friend and try it with and without.
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