(campag --)

At least for me, the low half of that cassette would see some fair use while the upper couple of gears would be like new.

I agree with you on the spacing. Tight is the way to go for a group ride. I never see the need to switch chainrings in a paceline. If I'm switching chainrings, it's because things are turning fairly seriously uphill and the paceline is going to fall apart (edit: has fallen apart!) anyway.

(rt --)

Are you using a bar end or dt shifter on that? Levers look brake-only.

I've got a 1x8 on my commuter bike, but it's an IGH so I'm cheating. Chainline is perfect perfect on that bike. There is something to be said for the simplicity but it's not the right tool for a group ride.