8m propagation

In my view, the real benefit in an 8m amateur band would come when the F2 MUF goes above 10m. 

With Es, working EU stations occurs commonly at 6m, whereas for the F2 MUF to get to as high as 6m is exceptional. Yes, on N-S paths with TEP the MUF can go much higher, but E-W paths with high MUFs are rare.

So, in my own view, now and the next couple of years are the best for 8m propagation research. 

Whilst Es is fun, it is not what propagation research at 8m is mainly about. In a few years we will be unable to learn so much.