I have to say I love my 8ight. And that's strong praise, ask jbrow, I'm an AE guy, LOL. But it's quick and responsive and responds to small setup changes. It reminds me of my AE 1/10 cars, may be why I like it so much. It does like regular maintenance but I do that with all my cars anyway. Useful hopups/upgrades are the F&R toe/antisquat blocks and the heavy duty diff cups. Any car you buy will need need some hopups/upgrades, they always do. I've driven the RC8, I liked it, not as much as the 8ight. Coming from on-road the 8ight might suit you, it carries more corner speed than any 1/8 I've ever driven and comes out like a rocket.
Servos- Futaba, JR, Ace/AE. You know not to scrimp on servos, bite the bullet and pony up for good ones, less trouble later. If you have buddies who are racing, I'd say get to the track and see if you can't wheel a few different cars and find one that suits you.