Thanks for the replies.
I agree that logically the 8" is the safer choice. But if a sturdier mount (HEQ5) is recommended for that sized reflector, then I guess that closes the price gap a bit and makes the 10" more appealing than before.
On top of that I spent most of last night browsing through dozens of the "Solar System" sub-forum threads, looking to see what's possible with both sized reflectors. I know the photography results vary depending on the seeing, type of camera, stacking/post-processing quality, but on
average I was quite impressed with what the 10" reflector can achieve over the 8".
That makes me lean towards the bigger scope, as I'd likely be itching for more resolution if I bought the smaller one. I mean, the initial price difference is only about $170 between the two sizes, and I doubt I could afford anything bigger than the 10" anyway - making further aperture fever impossible to succumb to
Anyway it looks like I'm typing a lot - if it seems like the fever has already caught on, feel free to say so!