el, From what I gather, the 'worms' are a combination of bad seeing conditions & the 'floaties' in your eyeball. Most noticeable on brighter objects @ reasonably high mag & either side of focus. I think.
When viewing the moon, I kinda like to use my .96 ND filter. Others do not. I find that I pick up details better. You have already noted the diff. in light gathering ability in your 8", compared to the 60 mm.
Have fun with your mods.
L.