Yeah, aiming the mics away from the source is often very nice. Try putting them right near a wall, aimed at the wall. That can be fun sometimes!
If you're doing a stereo setup, aiming away from the source will give you a less precise stereo image - it'll be a little softer sounding and more diffuse than if pointed right at the instrument. A wide, non-coincident stereo mic technique will help with the imaging if you want to keep things aimed away from the action, but also want to keep the image as defined as possible.
You can also try the delay-the-room mic trick, that can give the impression of a larger space.
I like to start with the ambient mics and get them sounding as good as I can, then do any close miking I need. I find this helps me to get better sounds, 'cause you have to get everything working with the ambient mics instead of vice versa. Prioritize! heh.
-craig