Hi Ray,
I don't have the 8" any more, I now have a 10" not quite as convienient size wise but the extra light is handy. Problem is you start to suffer the dreaded aperture fever, I recently bought a 16" Lightbridge as I reckon that if I'm going to go big do it earlier while you can still carry it
Maybe I'll see you at the AGWA meeting.
BTW you might find a secondhand scope amonst the members, I know the guy that bought my 8" was selling it. (he has also recently moved up to a 10" on a EQ6 mount)
Cheers
Garin