Regarding the 8c/7c question, there are many players who switch the lower two courses around, so you have a 'normal' 7c with the 7th course at D, plus an extra F on the 8th course. I haven't done this myself, but wonder if it is a good idea?
Rob -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html