I decided to upgrade to the 8+ from a 6 and it hits nearly all my points except for the slight negative that the form-factor is relatively the same (irrespective of size).

It's a great upgrade so far. The UI is snappy quick, the cameras on the back take amazing photos due to one having both OIS and digital stabilization, and the second also having digital stabilization. The resolution still looks good, etc.

I'm pleased with not needing to wait for the X, especially with the (supposedly) low supply at launch.

Thanks to T-Mobile JUMP, I was able to get the 8 and will get the X next week or as soon as they are avaialable. I presume that many are doing the same

That just seems oddly wasteful.

Exchange 8 for the X and TMo refurbs and resells, perhaps.

Exactly right

And the people who can't wait for the X went for the 7 over the 8 (n=3)

I happily went for an 8, though I had been holding on to my 6+ for awhile. I suspect the X is the way of the future but I'm betting that the first iteration of the tech (including FaceID) might be rough. The better camera and processor in the 8 was justification already. Maybe the 7 is cheaper but may be slowing down with near-future OS upgrades.