Chains are considered a 'wear-out item', not meant to last a long time, so more expensive chains are more about small weight savings and bling than they are about anything else.

For 8-speed, you can get a chain for less than $10 @ a big-box store like Wal-Mart, but they're not the greatest. They tend to be little better than the worn-out chain you're replacing.

$15-$20 is good for an 8-speed chain. Heck, I spend just a hair more than that for my 9-speed!