I'm an audio pro and have mixed a ton for over 25 years...
+ IMHO! - Always keep EQ flat at first, then it's better to reduce an eq band that sounds too loud
rather than increase eq bands that sound too low
since increasing a band can use a bad eq amp circuit or create distortion down the sound chain.
Certainly don't just turn them all up, use the volume control for that.
+ Try not to use BS FX gizmos... that 'simulate' environments etc.
Usually they're just cheezy and the dsp is not that great
or even if they might sound good and hyped at first will not in the long run or over various types of songs.
+ Surround sound, not sure what it does here (just about to get my 2016 Sonata plugin and crossing fingers!) ...
but sometimes it''s delaying a rear signal or doing phase tricks.. which again might sound good at first but lame in long run.. BUT sometimes it actually turns on certain extra speakers or turns up the ones in the rear.