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PA System becomes guitar amp?

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Wow. The band is getting together. We kicked out the jams. Then, I dang near threw my back out helping pack up the guy who brought over his amp with two 12's into my basement (I'm the drummer).
Meanwhile, I have my PA/disco system already down there: A very simple Audio-Technica mixer with two stereo RCA inputs and a 1/4" mic input; Soundcraftsmen 300W x 2 stereo amp, and Seleniumn coaxials, 95dB/W.
So, I'm gonna tell two of them to plug into line 1 and 2 (separate volume controls) and I might even be able to take another guitar into the mic input.
Why is everyone I talk to so skeptical of this?
Which is better: Mic or Line?
Should I look at some kind of CHEAP processor/guitar pre-amp to go between guitar and mixer? They already bring these pedals and stuff.

Follow Ups:

Re: PA System becomes guitar amp? - stealthaxe 10:08:48 10/18/05 (0)
Line 6 POD. Straight into Line in.
Pt
It can work. - Kevin A. 12:37:40 09/16/05 (0)
If the guitarist is using some kind of "amp modeling" processor, he can run the output straight into the PA and get the right kind of guitar sounds.
Similarly for the bass player.
Then you gotta worry about monitors for the band, as the other responders mentioned.
Re: PA System becomes guitar amp? - STUART 10:04:27 09/13/05 (2)
First off you must be a newbie or something
Guitar players rigs are unique to there sound
You cant plug a guitar straight into a mixer and get
the sound you want...
If it takes two of you to lift a double 12 guitar amp mabye work out
However, he can get a small fender for rehearsals
- So, it won't sound the same but it will make sound? - Ben 06:46:57 09/14/05 (1)
  Well, can you explain why MY "rig" cannot be unique to his sound?! Might it not sound better? Even more unique, maybe? :)
  Are you saying that the set-up will work, but that it won't sound the same? Is there a difference in impedance or any technical difference between the inputs of a guitar combo and the line level and/or mic inputs. I'm not afraid of a technical answer. Is there one?
  BTW, we have to carry them up and down a flight of stairs in a very narrow stairwell. It's a pain, and, while I'm sure you get into all sorts of things, I'm too good to waste my energy carrying stuff. Might hurt my fingers.
  - Re: So, it won't sound the same but it will make sound? - Bill Fitzmaurice 07:11:12 09/14/05 (0)
    Guitar amps have a distinctive tone. PAs don't. No guitar player worth beans would dream of going direct to a PA.
    Your PA has to be in front of the band or the mics will feed back. The guitar (and bass I hope) amps have to be in back of the band so the players can hear themselves. An 'all in one' speaker system won't work, it can't be in two places at the same time.
    In addition to the PA mains you also will need floor wedges aimed back at the band so that they can hear the vocals.
    If you don't like the idea of lugging tons of stuff up stairs find a different line of work. Also get used to the idea of working in toilets, and that isn't a reference to the restrooms. If being a musician was easy everyone would make music for a living.
    What you propose seems logical but it won't work. If it did it's how everyone would do it. No one does. Go see some working bands, look at how they run their sound and ask questions. Reading a book on sound system design wouldn't hurt either; the one from Yamaha is very good.

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