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I used to have a C8-NGT and initially it I considered it a "heavy" mount and scope too. If you have a problem with the weight, as you said, changing down to the smaller tube won't save a lot in weight. As you say one of the smaller single fork mounts may be a better option. I don't know what sort of weight saving you will get though. The EQ mount will break down to the tripod, counterweight and tube. The forks usually break down to two pieces, tripod and tube/fork assembly (I would appreciate it if someone who owns an SE could clarify here). The single fork should be much lighter than using a twin fork, something like a CPC or a Meade. Overall though, the SE may be a lot easier for someone who has a problem carrying a heavy scope.
If you change to an SCT, you have to deal with other issues that don't occur with the Newt at the moment. Dew will be a problem in colder weather and the collimation is a very different procedure.
The 8SE may still be suitable for some sort of astro photography, I think the 6SE may be getting a bit small for visual as the secondary in an SCT is bigger than the same size Newt. Alternatively, a good 80-100ED would be a good choice for photography (maybe even on the CG5?), but you will miss a lot visually compared to your existing 10". If you go to something like an EQ6 you will get a very good setup, but an EQ6 is MUCH heavier than your existing CG5 and it appears weight is a major concern to you.
See if you can find someone with the scope you want and give it a lift...
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