Nexus 8 vs Alfine:
The Nexus 8R36 has Alfine internals (as did the older 8R35). Biggest issue commuting with Alfine/Nexus 8 is the big step between 5th and 6th gear, ~25%. I'd consider the SRAM i-Motion 9 for commuting, I have one and the even steps are very nice. I guess Shimano understand this issue, the new Alfine 11 has even steps like the Rohloff and i-Motion 9.