[jamesmaniscalco]

I think the "track count" has to do with the number of tracks available for mixing in the sound editing stage, not how many channels are in the final mix. At the time the sound editors would have been limited by the mixing board itself - how many tapes can run simultaneously. These days, computer audio workstations can have essentially an unlimited number of tracks, allowing endless tinkering and post-production that can become a crutch. My experience is in music production but I think the same applies to film.