Oh, I see what you're saying. Space my 7 speeds to 4.8mm instead of 5.0mm so I could use an 8-speed shifter. I guess I didn't note it in this thread, but my current cassette is an IG cassette, so the spacers are only 2.6mm thick to begin with (the cogs are thicker). I'll probably stick with what I have for now. I have to wrap the bars still and I still need to find a silver stem to finish it off (I have a black stem in it temporarily for purposes of getting the right fit). Once everything is complete, I'll just ride it. And if the SRT shifters just completely fall apart one day, then I'll re-consider my options.

Thanks, all, for the input.