several issues after upgrading to V8 — is it possible to downgrade back to V7?

It doesn't matter why they changed it all, at least not to me. That they made such significant, and bad, decisions is the main concern.

Right now I fully expect v7 to have a VERY limited shelf life. At some point soon, they'll tell me that I must switch to v8.

Well, I know what v8 is and isn't. It isn't for me, not at all. If I have to change, it won't be to v8. I am off to plan the next password keeping arrangement in my life.

I would prefer not to change, but AB is clearly forcing it. If I'm wrong, if AB has committed to supporting v7 ongoing, let me know. Of course, I know that's not true. I have a bug report in for which the answer was, "v7 is not being developed, so you're wasting your time reporting bugs like this--if you want this behavior to work, v8 is your answer". No, something else will be my answer.

AB made their choices. I have to make my choices for myself. Tolerating what v8 has become is not a choice I'm making.