think of it this way. at andrews you get the exact same scope (ie 8" gso, 3 EPs, rack, finder, caps, moon nd96 filter, etc) plus small binos, and they might throw in a cheap barlow if you ask all for $150 less.
your 8" dobs OTA can later be put on an EQ mount for tracking for photography if you want.
200mm has heaps of light gathering ability.
alot of ppl would say a 144mm reflector is an entry point... others less... there are plenty of 80mm refractors out there and people absolutely rave about them!
I think that rather than looking at entry points in size or price we should state DONT BUY CHEAP!
but even then a $60 ebay refractor bought me MUCH joy
so in the end its each to thier own. it comes down to what you want it to do and what your expectations are i guess